Bevan Seeks Coaching Shake-up

The domestic managerial system requires significant reform if it is to produce a new generation of home-grown managers capable of succeeding Fabio Capello, according to the new chief executive of the League Managers Association.

Speaking on the eve of Capello's first match in charge of the England team, Richard Bevan said many English managers failed in their first job because of a lack of adequate training and experience.

"We have absolutely no objection to overseas managers - many of our members are foreign - but there is a startling fallout from the game among first-time domestic managers," Bevan said. "Particularly in the lower leagues managers are selected because they are a long-serving player, or a coach who has been on the staff for a significant period, and the directors decide to employ them in the top job.

"Their knowledge of the game is first-class but understandably they have little experience of managing staff, of handling directors or of the business side of the football club. We want to address that by developing clear career pathways and training opportunities for would-be managers."

For almost 50% of managers their first job is their last, and reducing the loss of potential English managers from the game is one of Bevan's priorities. Bevan, who was recruited from the same post at the Professional Cricketers' Association, is hoping to develop a more structured career path to help coaches succeed.

He will work with the PFA on career development for players reaching the end of their career, and is keen to increase opportunities for less talented players. "On the continent many of the most successful coaches have not come from an illustrious playing background but in England it is almost a prerequisite of getting a top job, so we will look at that." He also hopes to introduce a mentor system under which experienced former managers would work with younger coaches.