Mark Sampson - England manager

[Bar BS3]

How long before a proper/men's football team take a punt on this guy..? He's clearly got something in his management locker. 

I wonder what kind of club/offer would tempt him away from the England women's team..? 

Could he hack it in "real football"..? It would be interesting to see! 

[A Horse With No Name]

I remember similar suggestions when England rugby won the World Cup. Clive Woodward is a top man manager, so must be a good shout to manage a football team. Southampton appointed him and found that he was awful, and he never managed again. I would suggest the same thing would happen with Sampson, as women's football is almost a different sport to League football.

[Bar BS3]

4 minutes ago, The Horse With No Name said:

I remember similar suggestions when England rugby won the World Cup. Clive Woodward is a top man manager, so must be a good shout to manage a football team. Southampton appointed him and found that he was awful, and he never managed again. I would suggest the same thing would happen with Sampson, as women's football is almost a different sport to League football.

I get your comparison, although at least Sampson is involved in the same sport, even if at a completely different level. 

I wonder where (physicality aside) the England women's football team would compare too in men's football..? Conference maybe, or is that being harsh on them..? 

[A Horse With No Name]

I honestly believe it would be a division or two below that. If nothing else the standard of goalkeeping is parks football at best.

[richwwtk]

Didn't he take the England post from a job coaching in our Academy?

[Robbored]

40 minutes ago, Bar BS3 said:

How long before a proper/men's football team take a punt on this guy..? He's clearly got something in his management locker. 

I wonder what kind of club/offer would tempt him away from the England women's team..? 

Could he hack it in "real football"..? It would be interesting to see! 

I'm sure he could "hack it" but probably he'd have to start in the lower leagues so why would he want to leave a job as England manager? 

No idea how his salary compares to Southgate but I'd guess it's very seriously lower. Maybe a PL club offered him the managers job with a far better wedge he might be tempted. That said would any PL club offer the role to man with so little league experience?  I seriously doubt it.

[Bar BS3]

1 minute ago, The Horse With No Name said:

I honestly believe it would be a division or two below that. If nothing else the standard of goalkeeping is parks football at best.

True, but that wouldn't effect Sampson's ability to manage in men's football. It's the same game and where women lack in certain areas, that wouldn't be an issue. In fact, the women are probably technically better than many men's L1/L2 level players. 

He would have different (arguably better) tools to work with. A bit like a championship team taking a punt on a highly regarded conference manager. 

Should he ever decide to try it, I'd suspect a L1 club, the likes of MK Dons would be a good fit. 

[Bar BS3]

3 minutes ago, richwwtk said:

Didn't he take the England post from a job coaching in our Academy?

The Bristol women's team. 

[Cowshed]

15 minutes ago, The Horse With No Name said:

I remember similar suggestions when England rugby won the World Cup. Clive Woodward is a top man manager, so must be a good shout to manage a football team. Southampton appointed him and found that he was awful, and he never managed again. I would suggest the same thing would happen with Sampson, as women's football is almost a different sport to League football.

Harry Redknapp was the Manager. Mr Woodward was a Director.

[Bar BS3]

1 minute ago, Robbored said:

I'm sure he could "hack it" but probably he'd have to start in the lower leagues so why would he want to leave a job as England manager? 

No idea how his salary compares to Southgate but I'd guess it's very seriously lower. Maybe a PL club offered him the managers job with a far better wedge he might be tempted. That said would any PL club offer the role to man with so little league experience?  I seriously doubt it.

I would be very surprised if most L1 managers weren't on more money than the England women's team manager. 

[Monkeh]

15 minutes ago, The Horse With No Name said:

I remember similar suggestions when England rugby won the World Cup. Clive Woodward is a top man manager, so must be a good shout to manage a football team. Southampton appointed him and found that he was awful, and he never managed again. I would suggest the same thing would happen with Sampson, as women's football is almost a different sport to League football.

i don't think sir clive was ever appoint manager, he was appointed performance director at southampton but didn't get on with Harry Redknapp, then director of football after harry had left 

[Eddie Hitler]

7 minutes ago, Bar BS3 said:

I get your comparison, although at least Sampson is involved in the same sport, even if at a completely different level. 

I wonder where (physicality aside) the England women's football team would compare too in men's football..? Conference maybe, or is that being harsh on them..? 

You can't take the physicality out of the game unless you introduce a non-contact version.

In the standard game I think any town side down to league 10 or 11 in the pyramid would beat them though their skill levels would see them up to ?Div 4 if you took that out of it.

It's not compaable anyway, it's an amateur minority sport that gets excessive coverage because of the success of men's football.   I'm sure they train as hard but so do, for example, women's water polo players and that doesn't get headline coverage on the BBC.

As a reminder of how much of a lemon it is as a professional game:

• Notts County closed their successful women's football team at short notice in April this year.
• Their estimated costs for the season ahead were £500k.
• Their estimated revenues (tickets, programme sales, sponsorship) were £28k.  Not for one game, for the whole season.  £28k.

It will never make it as a professional sport.

 

(In case anyone thinks I have a downer on women's sport I don't.  I think women's tennis is great, better than the men's game, and like women's athletics).

[Bs4Red]

I'm sorry but for anyone who's actually watched the women in this tournament, they don't string passes together, all they seem to do is lump it as far as possible. 

England are fortunate that they are playing teams further behind in their development, I don't think Sampson would flourish in men's football 

[samo II]

I doubt he'll leave before the next World Cup; he's done an excellent job, and depending on how these Euros go, could end up being one of the few managers of a England side to win anything.

[Bar BS3]

1 minute ago, Eddie Hitler said:

You can't take the physicality out of the game unless you introduce a non-contact version.

In the standard game I think any town side down to league 10 or 11 in the pyramid would beat them though their skill levels would see them up to ?Div 4 if you took that out of it.

It's not compaable anyway, it's an amateur minority sport that gets excessive coverage because of the success of men's football.   I'm sure they train as hard but so do, for example, women's water polo players and that doesn't get headline coverage on the BBC.

As a reminder of how much of a lemon it is as a professional game:

• Notts County closed their successful women's football team at short notice in April this year.
• Their estimated costs for the season ahead were £500k.
• Their estimated revenues (tickets, programme sales, sponsorship) were £28k.  Not for one game, for the whole season.  £28k.

It will never make it as a professional sport.

 

(In case anyone thinks I have a downer on women's sport I don't.  I think women's tennis is great, better than the men's game, and like women's athletics).

I completely agree with your points, but that's not to say that a successful manager in the women's game could not be a successful manager in the men's game. 

Tactics, game plans, training, motivation, would all be relatively similar, I'd have thought. Hell, he could even make suggestions to the players 4 weeks a month, without getting his head bitten off..! (Joke!) 

[Cowshed]

6 minutes ago, Bs4Red said:

i'm sorry but for anyone who's actually watched the women in this tournament, they don't string passes together, all they seem to do is lump it as far as possible. 

England are fortunate that they are playing teams further behind in their development, I don't think Sampson would flourish in men's football 

That is an attacking intent. England are counter attacking and going through very fast transitions. Its press, win,  one touch, bam, hit the sides and attack at speed when the opposition are out of balance. Its not being lumped as balls continually go into Nobbs wide and Bronze steams up in support. Hard to watch, but effective and planned.

England beat a team last night who are ranked higher than they are and whose development in womens football is more advanced. England is not a highly developed womens football nation.

 

[CheddarReds]

I'd be interested to hear what women have to say about the standard of womens football and the level it could reach compared to mens. Was recently speaking to a womens coach who seems to think the top womens players should be able to play in the prem So be interested to hear some thoughts

[Phileas Fogg]

27 minutes ago, Bar BS3 said:

I get your comparison, although at least Sampson is involved in the same sport, even if at a completely different level. 

I wonder where (physicality aside) the England women's football team would compare too in men's football..? Conference maybe, or is that being harsh on them..? 

Bases on last night's game, a fair bit worse than conference. 

[Bar BS3]

3 minutes ago, CheddarReds said:

I'd be interested to hear what women have to say about the standard of womens football and the level it could reach compared to mens. Was recently speaking to a womens coach who seems to think the top womens players should be able to play in the prem So be interested to hear some thoughts

Perhaps if more women supported women's football, it could start to grow. As it is, it's completely unsustainable, without funding/association with a men's club. 

[Eddie Hitler]

3 minutes ago, CheddarReds said:

I'd be interested to hear what women have to say about the standard of womens football and the level it could reach compared to mens. Was recently speaking to a womens coach who seems to think the top womens players should be able to play in the prem So be interested to hear some thoughts

Um, per my post above: no chance whatsoever will any woman be good enough to play in the top four divisions because of simple size and strength.

Unless Brienne fancies a kick about that is.

[Coxy27]

1 hour ago, Bar BS3 said:

How long before a proper/men's football team take a punt on this guy..? He's clearly got something in his management locker. 

I wonder what kind of club/offer would tempt him away from the England women's team..? 

Could he hack it in "real football"..? It would be interesting to see! 

There's nothing wrong with the question you're asking, I.e. Will Mark Sampson get a job in Men's football, and do you think he would be successful?

However, whether tongue in cheek or not, what you have said and the way the thread continued from there is incredibly disrespectful. I'm not one for the PC brigade or taking offence on other people's behalf, but I'd like to see what would happen to you if you went and told the England team, or any local women's team for that matter, that they don't play 'real' football. I don't get the constant need for comparison, this is an Elite competition for women, they've reached the highest level and that level will only continue to get higher. We couldn't even comprehend the level of effort it has taken them to get to where they are in football.

I've personally enjoyed the games I've seen of this Euros, but basically if you don't like it, don't watch it.

 

To answer the Mark Sampson thing, I wouldn't be surprised at all if he gets a job in the English leagues fairly soon, and good luck to the fella, he's done a good job in his current role.

[Son of Fred]

33 minutes ago, Bar BS3 said:

I get your comparison, although at least Sampson is involved in the same sport, even if at a completely different level. 

I wonder where (physicality aside) the England women's football team would compare too in men's football..? Conference maybe, or is that being harsh on them..? 

Wouldn't think quite conference standard....not even close.

[Bs4Red]

7 minutes ago, Cowshed said:

That is an attacking intent. England are counter attacking and going through very fast transitions. Its press, win,  one touch, bam, hit the sides and attack at speed when the opposition are out of balance. Its not being lumped as balls continually go into Nobbs wide and Bronze steams up in support. Hard to watch, but effective and planned.

England beat a team last night who are ranked higher than they are and whose development in womens football is more advanced. England is not a highly developed womens football nation.

 

I've watched a lot and I think they give it away an awful lot and even when not on the counter. A lot of the time it is lumped. Have to disagree that it's passed.  France are ranked higher but England's development in recent years have overtaken France etc. The work going on at Grassroots football for women is huge and it's reaping benefits for the national teams. Other countries have had steady growth whereas our rapid growth has nearly overtaken a lot of these countries now. 

[Bar BS3]

6 minutes ago, Eddie Hitler said:

Um, per my post above: no chance whatsoever will any woman be good enough to play in the top four divisions because of simple size and strength.

Unless Brienne fancies a kick about that is.

If serena or Venus Williams were any good at football...!

[Natchfever]

37 minutes ago, Bar BS3 said:

I get your comparison, although at least Sampson is involved in the same sport, even if at a completely different level. 

I wonder where (physicality aside) the England women's football team would compare too in men's football..? Conference maybe, or is that being harsh on them..? 

World class womens teams get beaten by Academy under 16 sides. I believe I saw some specific examnples on here last week?

Celebrate womans football for what it is. No comparison with the male game, and despite lots of right on comments regarding skill levels and honesty, it is very poorly attended outside of major international tournaments.

[Eddie Hitler]

7 minutes ago, Coxy27 said:

There's nothing wrong with the question you're asking, I.e. Will Mark Sampson get a job in Men's football, and do you think he would be successful?

However, whether tongue in cheek or not, what you have said and the way the thread continued from there is incredibly disrespectful. I'm not one for the PC brigade or taking offence on other people's behalf, but I'd like to see what would happen to you if you went and told the England team, or any local women's team for that matter, that they don't play 'real' football. I don't get the constant need for comparison, this is an Elite competition for women, they've reached the highest level and that level will only continue to get higher. We couldn't even comprehend the level of effort it has taken them to get to where they are in football.

I've personally enjoyed the games I've seen of this Euros, but basically if you don't like it, don't watch it.

 

To answer the Mark Sampson thing, I wouldn't be surprised at all if he gets a job in the English leagues fairly soon, and good luck to the fella, he's done a good job in his current role.

I am ill-disposed towards it at the moment because of the BBC's blanket and often decitful coverage of it.  I am sure that they train as hard but so do volleyball players for example and I don't see that getting banner headlines and live showings of games.

It is statements such as these on the BBC that have me comparing it because they are:

Quote

The result ensured boss Mark Sampson created his own history by becoming the first England manager since Sir Alf Ramsey in 1968 to reach consecutive semi-finals at major tournaments, having also guided his team to third place at the 2015 World Cup.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40765772

Quote

In England's opening group match against Scotland, the 31-year-old Arsenal striker joined Sir Geoff Hurst and Gary Lineker in becoming the only England players to score hat-tricks at major tournaments.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40769996

 

[Cowshed]

21 minutes ago, Robert the bruce said:

Wouldn't think quite conference standard....not even close.

When I completed a coaching course via the Somerset FA one of the tutors was a female Yeovil coach.  Her skill level was above any of the eighteen males taking the course including ex conference and western league level. Skill is of course different to physicality, but it is a standard where females can excel.

18 minutes ago, Bs4Red said:

I've watched a lot and I think they give it away an awful lot and even when not on the counter. A lot of the time it is lumped. Have to disagree that it's passed.  France are ranked higher but England's development in recent years have overtaken France etc. The work going on at Grassroots football for women is huge and it's reaping benefits for the national teams. Other countries have had steady growth whereas our rapid growth has nearly overtaken a lot of these countries now. 

Its a tactic. The special ones teams prospered on less than 30% possession like England v Spain women. Sampsons tactics of introducing the ball into areas (the sides) are not so different. It is not lamping it back to front because they avoid Taylor playing on here own up top.

The work going on at Grassroots football for women is huge ... And there is an award winning women's team in South Bristol. A lot is going on, its not huge.

England's development in recent years have overtaken France etc ... Sorry England has neither the licensed coaches or facilities and that includes junior football for males.

Our rapid growth has nearly overtaken a lot of these countries now ... Hardly. Female football in Bristol is growing but the leagues v male junior football are small and often consist of seven or eight teams only who have to travel greater distances than male counterparts to get games.

[123456789000]

Just now, Eddie Hitler said:

I am ill-disposed towards it at the moment because of the BBC's blanket and often decitful coverage of it.  I am sure that they train as hard but so do volleyball players for example and I don't see that getting banner headlines and live showings of games.

It is statements such as these on the BBC that have me comparing it because they are:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40765772

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40769996

 

I completely agree with you. I think it is its own sport and should be treated as such. On BBC there should be a Women's Football section just like there is Formula 1, Tennis etc.

The coverage is OTT and I imagine that the vast majority of people who visit the BBC Football page will not be the slightest bit interested in half the articles on there at the moment.

The 'if you don't like it, don't watch it' approach is all well and good, but it's impossible to get away from right now.

[Jack Dawe]

I'd have that Lucy Bronze at right back in a heart beat/flat back four. Top top full back. Adam Matthews of last season or Lucia Roberta Tough (yes, Tough) Bronze? Bronzer every time.

[Zip Nolan]

Worst part of womens football for me is the co-commentators.  Last night she sounded like a Victoria Wood (god rest her soul) parody 

of someone who was talking to an audience who have never watched a game of football before. Bring back big Ron.

[CheddarReds]

4 minutes ago, Jack Dawe said:

I'd have that Lucy Bronze at right back in a heart beat/flat back four. Top top full back. Adam Matthews of last season or Lucia Roberta Tough (yes, Tough) Bronze? Bronzer every time.

I'd fancy myself to do a better job than Adam Matthews last season mind!

[Bs4Red]

19 minutes ago, Cowshed said:

When I completed a coaching course via the Somerset FA one of the tutors was a female Yeovil coach.  Her skill level was above any of the eighteen males taking the course including ex conference and western league level. Skill is of course different to physicality, but it is a standard where females can excel.

Its a tactic. The special ones teams prospered on less than 30% possession like England v Spain women. Sampsons tactics of introducing the ball into areas (the sides) are not so different. It is not lamping it back to front because they avoid Taylor playing on here own up top.

The work going on at Grassroots football for women is huge ... And there is an award winning women's team in South Bristol. A lot is going on, its not huge.

England's development in recent years have overtaken France etc ... Sorry England has neither the licensed coaches or facilities and that includes junior football for males.

Our rapid growth has nearly overtaken a lot of these countries now ... Hardly. Female football in Bristol is growing but the leagues v male junior football are small and often consist of seven or eight teams only who have to travel greater distances than male counterparts to get games.

I'm allowed to disagree mate, being part of it in Bristol I've seen the rise. 

In terms of leagues I agree however at adult level it's ever increasing 

[EmersonsRed]

1 hour ago, The Horse With No Name said:

I honestly believe it would be a division or two below that. If nothing else the standard of goalkeeping is parks football at best.

US Womens team lost 5-0 to FC Dallas U15.

[David Brent]

It's a completely different game, at any level.

He may be a good coach in men's football but I don't think he could rely on his experience in women's football too much.

[ollywhyte]

1 hour ago, CheddarReds said:

I'd be interested to hear what women have to say about the standard of womens football and the level it could reach compared to mens. Was recently speaking to a womens coach who seems to think the top womens players should be able to play in the prem So be interested to hear some thoughts

When was 17 playing for an average local kids team we played against the Argyle ladies team at the time and beat them 18-0. One thing I always notice is how atrocious the goalkeeping standard is!

[EmersonsRed]

2 minutes ago, EmersonsRed said:

US Womens team lost 5-0 to FC Dallas U15.

https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/a-dallas-fc-under-15-boys-squad-beat-the-u-s-womens-national-team-in-a-scrimmage/

 

Sorry, was 5-2...

[RoystonFoote'snephew]

We have a thread on homophobia, and now it seems we need one on sexism. Women's football is real football, just different. Just rejoice in that. Why is there is always some stupid desire to compare women's sport to men's sport? Some people clearly have issues with their own masculinity. 

At international level, the primary difference seems to be that in football, rugby and cricket, the women are more successful. 

[CheddarReds]

The only comment I've seen which you could argue was too far was the 'real football' comment.

Nothing wrong with comparing the sports. We aren't saying we hate women, they're bad at everything, get them in the kitchen. Surely part of the beauty of equality is being able to compare, contrast and appreciate the differences between each other (and sports) without being offended. Reality is if we never compared and discussed anything, especially because we thought we were making a problem out of nothing, society (and in this case, the sport) would stop moving forward.

[The Bard]

People don't half talk some nonsense about this.  Apparently some bloke who can barely speak English is worth £6 million per year to manage England, but being successful managing women playing is like a different sport. 

Mark Sampson is perfectly capable of managing successfully but he will have a whole load of pressures on top of other coaches. 

Having said that, as manager of England he has had  a number of advantages over the men's manager.  Most of all he gets a lot of time with the players and you can see the results of that on the pitch.  They know exactly what they are doing.  There are significantly less games for women players.  At the highest level this probably helps.  The players aren't tired or jaded.  I believe some of them are contracted to the FA as well as their clubs - their commitment is clear to see.  One thing I found really interesting about how he approached this tournament was that he named the squad months in advance, citing that he would gain more by giving his players the security of knowing they were going rather than letting them battle it out for places.  He felt this would allow training to be more focused on preparing for the main event rather than trying stuff out.    

 

 

[Eddie Hitler]

47 minutes ago, RoystonFoote'snephew said:

We have a thread on homophobia, and now it seems we need one on sexism. Women's football is real football, just different. Just rejoice in that. Why is there is always some stupid desire to compare women's sport to men's sport? Some people clearly have issues with their own masculinity. 

At international level, the primary difference seems to be that in football, rugby and cricket, the women are more successful. 

As I noted above it is the BBC that is running them together as though they are a single sport; ranking the manager with Alf Ramsey and the striker with Hurst and Lineker.

People are rejecting those comparisons. If we weren't being force fed them then I would very much be saying good luck to them but as it is I'm fed up with hearing about it.

[wendyredredrobin]

Managing men is very different to managing girls.  If they misbehave, you cant put en accross your knee and give em a good spanking - only joking.

[pillred]

12 minutes ago, wendyredredrobin said:

Managing men is very different to managing girls.  If they misbehave, you cant put en accross your knee and give em a good spanking - only joking.

many a true word spoken in jest!!

[Robbored]

2 hours ago, David Brent said:

It's a completely different game, at any level.

He may be a good coach in men's football but I don't think he could rely on his experience in women's football too much.

It's football.

Same skills required to manage pro teams.

Knowledge of your players strengths and weaknesses. Tactical acumen both before and during  matches, motivational skills and good interpersonal skills. Ability to manage your coaching team and the training schedule.

Piece of piss................

[EnderMB]

Ultimately, it's down to the person. I think he'll have a better go of it than Clive Woodward, but Sampson might not want to get involved in the men's game. The pressure is different, the egos are different, and honestly the money might not be worth it when you add the intangibles into it.

Most importantly, Mark Sampson is still very young, and he's accomplished quite a bit in the women's game. He'll still be younger than most coaches when his time with England is up, assuming they don't keep him for ages like the last coach. He'll have plenty of time to transition should be wish to.

[downendcity]

It's one thing being able to handle women in a dressing room, but would he be able to handle men the same way?!    

 

[WTFiGO!?!]

5 hours ago, Bar BS3 said:

If serena or Venus Williams were any good at football...!

Let's not forget Mrs May, leading from the top: 

 

[Natchfever]

3 hours ago, RoystonFoote'snephew said:

We have a thread on homophobia, and now it seems we need one on sexism. Women's football is real football, just different. Just rejoice in that. Why is there is always some stupid desire to compare women's sport to men's sport? Some people clearly have issues with their own masculinity. 

At international level, the primary difference seems to be that in football, rugby and cricket, the women are more successful. 

I think the issue is the reverse of people having issues with masculinity. Its more about people feeling the need to big up womens team sports and compare it to the mens game even when it is patently inferior as a spectacle. BBC being the arch culprit.

The success of the womens teams mentioned above has bypassed most people, despite the media coverage given.

Forget the gender and just watch the match - or don't as appears to be the case with the vast majority of the sporting public both men and women.

[shelts]

Real nice guy when I reffed Bristol Academy a gent . Interesting debate . He will have his coaching badges so I think apart from the obvious differences he could do league football , totally different kettle of fish granted . He's a football man 

[Harry]

8 hours ago, The Horse With No Name said:

I remember similar suggestions when England rugby won the World Cup. Clive Woodward is a top man manager, so must be a good shout to manage a football team. Southampton appointed him and found that he was awful, and he never managed again. I would suggest the same thing would happen with Sampson, as women's football is almost a different sport to League football.

Woodward's role at Southampton has been vastly underestimated. In his brief spell as Academy Director he oversaw the first transformation of their academy programme, which as I'm sure everyone will agree, has been an enormous success. 

Wouldn't mind him being appointed to run our academy. 

[The Bard]

15 minutes ago, Harry said:

Woodward's role at Southampton has been vastly underestimated. In his brief spell as Academy Director he oversaw the first transformation of their academy programme, which as I'm sure everyone will agree, has been an enormous success. 

Wouldn't mind him being appointed to run our academy. 

 I'm surprised Bristol Sport haven't got him in as a consultant. He has the perfect CV to oversee the sporting side of the 'concept'. Unparalleled success in one of the main 2 sports, experience in the other in development. Plus he was Charge d'affairs for the British Olympic team. Overseeing 21 different sports, ensuring they had what they needed to succeed. 

 

It's so obvious that he must have said no...

[CyderInACan]

9 hours ago, The Bard said:

 

 

It's so obvious that he must have said no...

It's so obvious I bet it's never even been discussed 

[Mendip Broadwalk]

20 hours ago, Bar BS3 said:

True, but that wouldn't effect Sampson's ability to manage in men's football. It's the same game and where women lack in certain areas, that wouldn't be an issue. In fact, the women are probably technically better than many men's L1/L2 level players. 

 

that Lucy Bronzes skill level ??? Seen less skill playing for City.

[Erithacus]

The point of this thread is, I think, the question of: is a top manager in the women's game being capable of managing in the men's. Mark Sampson has had the benefit of much investment by the FA into the England set-up and has had plenty of support to do the job. Would he have the same in a job in the men's? Not sure he would, unless the FA was involved. Running a national side is not the same as a club side, let's not forget. The demands are rather different, necessarily. I suspect he will happily remains as England manager for a long time, given relative success. It he decides to move into men's football, he would have to recalibrate quite substantially. That said, he will have lots of experience at high level and he has plenty of badges - and I note the UEFA badges he has earned are not gender specific!

Also, in a converse aspect, the Scottish women's manager, Shelley Kerr, took over the running at Lowlands League Stirling University's mens team, but will be taking over fromAnna Signeul soon.

To sum up, Mark Sampson is no fool and has not fluked the success the Lionesses (and Bristol Academy) have achieved.