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the
manager
WINTER 2011
Recent economic and political events in Europe’s autumn
have highlighted the dangers of reckless over-spending,
poor debt management and short-sighted, short-term
leadership. The macro-economic solutions being worked
on in Europe’s major capitals have micro-economic lessons
in them. Short-term fixes do not bring about long-term
solutions, stability and prosperity.
The LMA’s Annual Management Conference held in
October at the magnificent Emirates stadium, brought
football and business together for a day of discussion and
debate on the subject of leadership. We heard from leaders
from all walks of life, business, the armed forces, talent
development and, of course, some of the LMA’s most
senior members.
The delegates present gained a fascinating insight into
the variety of challenges that leaders face and yet, despite
the diversity of experiences on stage, a group of consistent
themes appeared; the setting of realistic targets, the building
of a winning culture; support from the top down and,
most notably, clear and regular communication. All of the
speakers pointed towards the value of building a long-term
vision and sticking with it.
As we approach the end of 2011, we have seen a year
in which football clubs in England have spent a record
amount on the payment of compensation and legal fees in
the dismissal of managers across the leagues. This defies the
principles of building for stability and success and, more
worryingly, is an expense that clubs, certainly in the lower
leagues, can ill afford. As the squeeze on finances, from the
global institution to the man in the street, continues, we
hope 2012 will not see a repeat of the vast sums of money
being wasted from the game.
The end of 2011 has also seen a uniting of the football
family, in sadness, at the awful news of Gary Speed’s death.
On behalf of the LMA and all of our members we offer
our sincerest condolences and our full support to Gary’s
family. We wish them strength in what must be the hardest
of circumstances. Gary was highly respected and well liked,
and it is a wonderful testament to the man and a legacy for
his family, that the outpouring of grief has been so heartfelt
and magnanimous is its praise of him. It wasn’t just that
he was a great player and a very promising young manager,
but also, that across the spectrum from fans to his peers he
was much admired as a true professional, a ‘good bloke’ and
gentleman of the game.
Richard Bevan
LMA CEO
THE
MANAGERS’
VOICE
“We hope 2012
will not see a repeat
of vast sums of
money being wasted
from the game”