Every manager manages in his own unique style. When I was in the hot seat of management I preferred to concentrate almost exclusively on my own team. I sometimes, indeed most times, found it difficult to be able to pass informed comment on any individual member of the opposition. I could pass quite pertinent comment on what the opposition team were doing but rarely was I able to individualise my observations.

Now that I am not in the hot seat of management I have had to get used to watching the individual performances of both teams when I attend a game. Under normal circumstances this is not a problem. Watching for leisure I can please myself in the manner of which I deploy my concentration. However, when I am working for Radio or Television I have had to re-educate myself in order to gather an understanding of the merits and impact of each individual player on view.

Freedom

One of the most enjoyable aspects of this new found freedom I have found is the opportunity to watch the two managers in operation. This is quite fascinating in actual fact. Because every manager possesses his own unique style, the contrasting behaviour with managers involved in the same game offers enormous information on the style and relative merits of the two men in question.

Some for instance, prowl the touchline. Like caged tigers this type of individual wants to be out on the field with his men. His involvement is personal and demanding.

The drawback for this particular style of man is that he wants to be in total control of all that goes on. To be successful, this manager has to have a serious understanding and confidence of who he is and what he wants.

If for example, this man is not well versed in the art of training ground quality and dressing room persona, his prowling style will be counter productive as the players, and the more enlightened supporter, will see through the façade.

Then, there is the manager who sits down and rarely gets involved in the pitch proceedings. This individual will be a more thoughtful and quietly spoken individual and will sometimes give the impression that he lacks passion.

To succeed, this man usually pays strict attention to even the most minute detail. As he will not motivate his men through passion it will be his meticulous manner and his seemingly effortless understanding of how to make his players better that gains him the confidence of both players and supporters.