‘Everything that is worthwhile and has substance, that is going to bear fruit and is sustainable takes time to build’ 

In this fascinating episode, Rob explores the methodology adopted by Norwich City, who are currently forging change as they nurture a philosophy based on the development of ‘homegrown talent’ 

You have to be brave to embark on a journey that is going to be fraught with challenges and Rob examines the underlying principles in use and how they can be used across the football profession. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• An iconoclast is a person who sees the world differently, has a specific view and perspective that differs from others. 
• It is a characteristic of people who are instigators of change, at the cutting edge and significant influencers. 

• Norwich City under the sporting director Stuart Webber made a decision to develop a philosophy based on developing homegrown talent, not on the outcome of individual matches. 
• They have made a decision about what was important to them not to buy success but to develop young players, ‘homegrown talent’ and enable participation in matches where points are at stake. 
• They are demonstrating their iconoclastic activity and bravery in the path they are forging in football currently. 
• You have to be brave to embark on a journey that is going to be fraught with challenges and Norwich made a decision to play the long game. 
• Everything that is worthwhile and has substance, that is going to bear fruit and is sustainable takes time to build 

• It requires the trust and support of those who choose to follow the team, the trust and support of the employers and a culture where everybody is on board 
• The value and experience they gain as they improve, as part of the evolutionary journey are vital. 
• Norwich acknowledge the inconsistency and living through the  mistakes as part of the journey with good communication vital to the continuing process 
• Successful communication is about meaningful truthful conversations. 
• We produce players who are athletes and resilient but young players have limited opportunities due to the pressures of point-scoring, Norwich is being iconoclastic in their approach, playing the long game. 

• Are you as a coach, leader or manager brave enough to make those types of decisions and be long term? 

BEST MOMENTS 

‘You need a culture where everybody is on board’ 

‘The quantity of individual coaches has increased but the quality is decreasing’ 

‘Just because someone has been a world-class player doesn’t mean they will be a good coach or manager’ 

‘Nothing that endures, nothing  that will last a long time, that will transcend one generation to another is built quickly’ 

VALUABLE RESOURCES 

Leader Manager Coach Podcast 

Iconoclast: A Neuroscientist Reveals How to Think Differently book by Greg Berns 

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People book by Stephen Covey 

ABOUT THE HOST 

Rob Ryles is a UEFA A licensed coach with a League Managers Association qualification and a science and medicine background. He has worked in the football industry in Europe, USA and Africa; at International, Premiership, League, Non-League and grassroots levels with both World Cup and European Championship experience. 

Rob Ryles prides himself on having a forward-thinking and progressive approach to the game built through his own experience as well as lessons learned from a number of highly successful managers and coaches. 

The Leader Manager Coach Podcast is where we take a deep dive examining knowledge, philosophies, wisdom and insight to help you lead, manage and coach in football, sport and life. 

CONTACT METHOD 

https://www.robryles.co.uk/ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMPYDVzZVnA 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertryles/?originalSubdomain=uk