There seems to be a connection between good managers, coaches, and talent scouts. That connection is a playing career that relied on football intelligence more so than pure talent. If the talent that was given to you is in your head and not your feet, and you have a reasonably productive career on the pitch, then a career after playing on the side lines is probably in the cards for you.
The ability to ”see” the pitch and to be able to predict or direct the play of the game is a skill that, in a lot of cases, doesn’t end up at the feet with accompanying dexterity.
These footballers are attracted to each other and form partnerships after the last kickoff. We see managers come and go and never give much thought to the coaching team he has built. And this team usually goes with him to the new club. They build a partnership that stays together for the long term, regardless of the team they are leading. For example, Paul Lambert and Ian Culverhouse have formed a partnership. Lambert is the visible partner and Culverhouse is the silent partner. He pops up now and again, but quickly drops out of sight. Lambert and Culverhouse are the ticket. Not Lambert alone. Culverhouse is his right-hand man in how the team is run, who is scouted, who is offered contracts – all of the things that makes a team. They work together.
Now I see the third member of this team take his place at the table, and that man is Stiliyan Petrov. A player who knows how the game is played and how to influence the play. Not the most gifted player, but able to put two and two together and make a successful career on the field. He was given a title of assistant/development coach, but he has had a say in several moves by Villa – most recently, Tonev. He played with him for Bulgaria and had a read on his abilities. Lambert and Culverhouse appreciate and obviously took Petrov`s advice, had a look and made a successful move.
Did Petrov`s relationship with Tonev help? I’m sure it did. Tonev obviously respects Petrov for his character, loyalty, and abilities; not just because he is a compatriot. Aston Villa were a front runner due to Petrov. Players around the Premier League and Europe know of Stiliyan and they trust him as a fair and knowledgeable man. His past association with Lambert as a team mate with Celtic is now producing a partnership at Villa in building the team. Petrov has all the attributes a person needs to have a successful career in football now that his playing days are over.
Lambert has made another good move for Villa by keeping Petrov; one that most fans saw as a ”nice thing to do.” I can see a partnership of Lambert, Culverhouse, and Petrov taking Villa back up the table. Three men who’s playing career was due to their knowledge of the game being greater that their skill at their feet.
Villa would be in good stead by keeping this trio in place at least for the next several years. They compliment and trust each other.
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