Since leaving higher education, I've been part of a business community. It is a group of like-minded entrepreneurs who are developing businesses of various kinds and we have regular catch-ups and learn from each other. As part of this, I'm regularly asked, what is it that your service offers? Nike doesn't sell trainers, it sells motivation, McDonald's doesn't sell burgers, it sells happiness, and Amazon doesn't sell products, it sells convenience. So, what are you selling, Chris?
Selling Reassurance
Curtis Joseph, Roberto Baggio, John Arne Riise, Paul Merson, Lee Hendrie, Andriy Shevchenko, David James, Vinnie Jones, Paul Gascoigne, Ravel Morrison, Adrian Mutu, Kieron Dyer, Jon Bostock, Fabio de Silva…
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I strongly believe...
I believe in putting more power in the hands of players and their families, and that is what I can do.
Education in Academies
At the heart of this issue is a fundamental misunderstanding of the relationship between education and professional football. So let me be clear on this. Undertaking education alongside your playing career makes you a better player.
Why the academy system is dead
While I believe the academy system will still be there in 20 or 30 years, and I see there are many good people working in it, it is outdated, misfocused and, in many cases, irrelevant.