When we first interviewed you, you had just been appointed as the England Over 60’s Walking Football Manager and were preparing to select your team. Did you find selecting your players from the trials harder than expected and on reflection is that the best way to pick a squad of players?
The trials worked really well and we had some fantastic feedback from around the country. Originally around 120 players were nominated, but as word spread, more names were put forward and we have had approaching 170 put forward now. Players have come from as far North as Peter Lee and from the South coast and from Norwich in the East to Weston Super Mare in the West – so from all over the country. We had at least 4 people ‘spotting’ players at each trial. After each trial we were in agreement over about 90% of players which just goes to prove we all knew and agreed on what we were looking for. There were clearly players that some people spotted and other didn’t. Selecting the final 20 was still a difficult thing to do – we deliberated long and hard over many players – there was often not much to choose between players apart from who we felt might fit into the team or who had that little bit extra to add. Most who were close to being selected have been invited to subsequent training sessions for us to have another look. Since the trials, we have made sure that we have attended national finals, EFL finals and various other tournaments and also had individual players monitored. So, if I was to start again, I really do not think I would change the way we have done things and I am extremely grateful for all the venues, clubs and players who helped to make the trials such a positive experience. I know from talking to Paul Murtagh that he feels much the same about the trials for the 50s.
Tell us about the differences between managing an international squad compared to managing your local Walking Football club team?
Running Abbeymead Rovers is completely different to Managing the England team – at Abbeymead Rovers we have pay and play sessions so we could get anything from 12 – 30 players at each session – we get our facility for one hour so, like most other clubs, we just use our time to play and there is no real coaching. In matches, I am playing, so having to try to manage the team and play is not always easy. We also, clearly, have a much smaller player base to choose from.
The similarity is that the players just enjoy playing Walking Football – the team spirit and banter at both is fantastic and players are just enthusiastic and proud to be able to play the game and represent club or country at their age.
It has been a real pleasure to work with Ross and Charlie, my coaches, to try to develop strategies, training routines and drills to develop the national team. We are working with some players who are qualified coaches themselves and who run their own teams and bring with them a wealth of experience. Most, however, have never really had the opportunity to be ‘coached’ with Walking Football as most clubs have a one hour session and want to maximise playing time. The feedback from training sessions has been excellent and the players have welcomed the opportunity to look at how to improve aspects of the game.
At international level. We want to ensure the players feel like they are being treated like international players – which is not always easy on a limited budget. I believe everyone linked to the England team is a role model and should conduct themselves as such.
After choosing your players from the trials, what happened next?
Once we had a squad in place we held a training session to select the match day squad for the Italy match. As with the 50s we only therefore had one meeting with our players before the first match.
Can you describe the structure to your training sessions and because the players don’t normally play together, how does this affect the planning compared to your weekly club sessions?
We normally have a team building style warm up. We have outlined the way we want our team to play so we spend some time working on shape and on any issues that we have identified from previous matches and then spend some time coaching through match scenarios and situations, finishing off with some food and time spent together afterwards. We work closely with the 50s to ensure there is a consistency about what we are doing and the players from each age get on well together.
You thought the geography was going to be a challenge in your initial interview, how have you found that having been in the role for the past year?
Yes, the geography has proved to be a challenge for a voluntary role – but, initially I knew I would need to do a lot of travelling as have the players in getting to training and matches. The development of regional managers and squads will further help us in identifying talent from around the country.
Can you talk us through the day of the England v Italy match as a whole, and describe the memorable events that stand out in your mind when reflecting back?
I think I speak for everyone involved when I say it was one of the proudest moments of my life – having been a volunteer in grass roots football for over 40 years, to stand and sing the national anthem ahead of such a historic international occasion was absolutely awesome. It is a day I and everyone else involved will never forget.
We started the weekend by picking up all the kit on route and then meeting the players at the hotel and distributing training kit – we had a training session in pouring rain at Crawley Town’s ground and then a wonderful gala meal with the Italians where our Ambassador, Tommy Charlton, gave a rousing speech.
An early start the next day to get the AMEX stadium, where we were very well looked after. A hard working and dedicated team of volunteers arrived early to set the pitch up, organise media and set the changing rooms up – we had a 20 minute warm up on the pitch before changing. All 4 teams (50s and 60s) lined up in the tunnel – pre match interviews were taking place, anticipation was rising, and the then the moment we walked out onto the pitch and joined together and sang the national anthems loud and proud. We wanted to ensure that all the players enjoyed the occasion and, when the match started, carried out what we had worked on beforehand. The game seemed to fly past and a Peter Stacey hat-trick led us to a 3-0 victory for the 60s with the 50s winning as well – this was followed by food and socialising with the Italians post-match and on into the evening. It really was an unforgettable day.
I would also like to ask the same question again regarding your second international match which was against Wales. Can you talk us through that day as a whole, and describe the memorable events that stand out in your mind when reflecting back?
The same feeling of the thrill and buzz at representing your country – The shadow squad were also present at this match so a great opportunity for them to experience the thrill and pride. There was not the same hype and media interest about this game, but, full credit to the Welsh guys for getting their team together despite some of the issues they had faced in the lead-up. After getting the pitches sorted there were more players and more kit to organise, but, the same feeling of pride at leading your team out onto the pitch and singing the national anthems – again, loud and proud.
Some very competitive matches took place with our teams gaining a clean sweep. We were well looked after by the players and staff at Jenner Park – it was lovely to socialise afterwards – 50s and 60s, Welsh and English. Another fantastic occasion and another that people will remember for a long time.
Have any players moved from the over 50’s team into yours in the past year following a birthday or is anyone coming up to that opportunity?
We have a player who trialled for the 50s and just missed out – he has now turned 60 and was player of the tournament at the over 60s final – he is joining us at our next training session, There is another player who will be turning 60 soon, but I have spoken with Paul Murtagh about him and he is currently still in the 50s squad on merit.
How difficult is it to keep the shadow squad motivated when they are so near, yet so far from an international first team appearance?
They are all very motivated to try to force themselves into recognition – the Wales match was so important in giving them that opportunity to represent their country – some may make the step up and others may not – but they have had that experience. I am also looking into other opportunities – I have been talking to Guernsey Walking Football about taking a team over there and there may be other opportunities to select a mixed team to take to fixtures – like the invitation we received to visit Liverpool Community Reds, which was another fantastic occasion, with a huge thanks to everyone there for making us so welcome.
What do you like most about being an international Walking Football manager?
Pride. Honour. It’s a dream come true. I never ever thought I would get an opportunity like this and I know that I also am giving others the opportunity and experience of a lifetime too.
What do you like least about being an international Walking Football manager?
Politics!!!!!!
When is the next match scheduled, and how many training sessions are planned beforehand?
Next training session is in Blackburn on 25th November. Matches coming up are – Gibraltar and a return match v Wales in the New Year. Italy in April. Guernsey in the summer. European Championships in June.#
After a year in the role, what advice would you give to someone now who wants to become an England Walking Football player?
The first thing is to enjoy playing the game – we are very aware that the majority of people play the game for fun and many do not want to play competitive matches. We have established the regional set-up to help more players play at a higher standard if they want to and are able to do so. So players should get their club to nominate them for a regional trial – if they are good enough they will be selected for their region, which is a stepping stone to the national stage. It is important to say, at this point, that Walking Football is all about opinion. There are people that have attended trials that believe they should have been selected – and they have told me so. We ran open and honest trials and we have made decisions based on the opinions of all those tasked with selecting a team – we, of course, will be judged on our decisions. So far, so good.
If you could sum up the benefits or enjoyment Walking Football brings you with a single quote, what would that quote be?
Fun, friendship and fitness. An opportunity to play a slower and adapted version of a game many of us have enjoyed for many years. Giving people a new lease of life.
Anything else you’d like to share?
So many people are now enjoying this adapted version of the beautiful game. 99% of players are not interested in the politics – they just want to play Walking Football. I know that I am privileged to be working at the tip of the iceberg – something I and the selected players could only have dreamt of. It is great that so many people involved in the international set-up are true grass roots players. The FA have told the WFA on several occasions that they are not interested in running international teams so long may, what we are doing, continue.
It was such a thrill to be at the over 70s final and meet the 84 year old who played in the final for eventual winners Portsmouth. It was also a real privilege to meet the 92 year old who regularly plays at the Liverpool Community Reds sessions.
I hope I am as fit as them at their age – they are an inspiration to us all.
Author: The Walking Football
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