The power of a strong network in football

Football is a game of skill, tactics, and relentless hard work - but no one succeeds alone. Whether you’re a player, coach, or aspiring manager, the right support network can make all the difference.

 

Success in football isn’t just about ability; it’s about surrounding yourself with people you trust, those who challenge you, and individuals who strengthen your weaknesses, something I have really dived into since working with FidesOak. I always remind the players I work with, “You need your teammates on your journey, treat them with respect and help each other improve.”

 

As a coach and aspiring manager, I have spent a significant amount of time working with different people and building my network – this is an area I feel I have started to solidify my “circle” but am certainly always going to try developing this. Those who thrive in football, and in leadership, understand that their personal development is directly linked to the quality of relationships they foster. Here’s why I believe that your network is one of your most valuable assets in the game.

 

1. Trust: The foundation of every great team

Football is an industry full of opinions. From the dressing room to the boardroom, everyone has a view. But in the chaos of all the noise, having a trusted network of people who provide honest advice, constructive feedback, and unwavering support is invaluable.

Trust is the foundation of any successful team - on and off the pitch. As a coach, I’ve learned that the best relationships are built on transparency and integrity. Whether it’s mentors who offer guidance, colleagues who share insights, or players who buy into a collective vision, trust is what holds everything together.

 

2. Challenge: Growth comes from being pushed

A strong network isn’t just about support; it’s about being challenged. The best players, coaches, and managers don’t surround themselves with ‘yes’ people. Instead, they seek those who push them to be better, question their decisions, and hold them accountable.

 

Football is a sport that evolves rapidly, and staying ahead means embracing continuous learning. Whether it’s a mentor encouraging me to see the game differently, a peer challenging my tactical approach, or a player demanding higher standards, growth happens when we step outside our comfort zone. I recently spent time on a FidesOak podcast with my brother Josh, who spoke specifically about challenging others and being challenged whilst not taking it personally - it made me think about the concept of healthy conflict, a respectful exchange of ideas that leads to solutions.

 

3. Strength in weaknesses: Learning from others

No one has all the answers. The best managers and leaders recognise their limitations and actively seek out individuals who complement their skill set. Whether it’s tactical expertise, sports psychology, data analysis, or hailing sport science and diving into football club structures, learning from those who excel in areas we don’t is crucial.

 

In my journey as a coach, I have found that surrounding myself with specialists - people who bring knowledge and skills beyond my own -has been invaluable. Football is about collaboration, and the most successful managers embrace the expertise of those around them.

 

How to build a strong network in football

• Seek mentors – Find experienced professionals who can offer guidance and help you navigate challenges.
• Engage with peers – Surround yourself with coaches, analysts, and football minds who challenge your thinking and push you to improve.
• Connect with specialists – Identify areas where you can grow and learn from those who excel in those fields. I have spent some time in recent months watching Anna Blanchard deliver goalkeeper sessions and provide technical detail to them.
• Give back – Support others in their journey. The best networks are built on mutual respect and shared growth.

 

Football is a game of relationships, and the strongest leaders understand that success is built with others. Trust, challenge, and collaboration are the foundations of a great network. I believe, whether you’re an aspiring manager, a developing coach, or an ambitious player, surrounding yourself with the right people is one of the most powerful steps you can take in your career.

 

Since working with FidesOak, I have spent a large amount of time looking into personality profiling systems to support business structures and teams. I will certainly be using this in the future, if my time as a senior head coach arrives!