The High-Stakes World of Football Management: Managers' Growing Health Concerns

Football managers are facing increasing pressure due to the intense media scrutiny, demanding owners, and stress-inducing situations on and off the pitch. This pressure has led to significant cardiovascular and lifestyle-related health issues, with nearly half of first-time managers in the top four divisions never working in the professional realm again. The League Managers Association has sent a 120-page survival guide to all managers in the Premier League and Football League, offering expert advice from clinical psychologists, cardiovascular specialists, and addiction counsellors on how to handle the multiplying stresses and strains of their job.

Key Takeaways:

• The pressure on football managers is at an all-time high, with 25 out of the first 54 managers tested by the LMA under its "Fit to Manage" programme revealing "significant cardiovascular and lifestyle-related health issues".
• More than half of first-time managers in the top four divisions never work in the professional realm again, highlighting the immense stress and pressure of the job.
• Managers are being instructed to take a "20-minute nap" during the day, eat "more broccoli, cauliflower, and soybeans", and "drink alcohol only in moderation" to help avoid match-day tension.
• The LMA advice includes talking to trusted advisers, creating a personal support network, and focusing on things within their control, rather than wasting time getting stressed about things they can't control.
• Dr. Ian Martin recommends cutting down on caffeine and alcohol, trying "deep breathing, yoga, or pilates", and considering medication in severe cases.
• Dr. Kate Joseph advises managers to "turn off your phone and practice meditation" to help reduce stress and improve focus.
• The LMA booklet has already had an impact, with Alan Pardew's improved self-control credited to one-on-one sessions with Jeremy Snape.

Statistics:

• 25 out of 54 managers testing positive for "significant cardiovascular and lifestyle-related health issues" under the "Fit to Manage" programme.
• More than half (54%) of first-time managers in the top four divisions never work in the professional realm again.
• 120-page survival guide sent to all managers in the Premier League and Football League by the LMA.
• 20-minute nap advised by the LMA to help reduce match-day tension.
• 50% of managers feeling the need to control things they cannot.

Sources:

• All managers in the Premier League and Football League (League Managers Association)
• Clinical Psychologist Jeremy Snape (former England cricketer, sports psychologist, and LMA non-executive director)
• Dr. Ian Martin (stress management specialist)
• Dr. Kate Joseph (clinical psychologist employed by the LMA)
• The LMA's "Fit to Manage" programme
• Various football managers, including Steve Bruce, Nigel Pearson, and Neil Redfearn