Ian has recently shared some excellent information (article is on the website) regarding the disability football group he runs at weekends. Now Ian has kindly agreed to answer our “coach’s questions” so we can get to know him a little better…….enjoy…….
How did you get into coaching at Greetland FC ?
I have been coaching junior football for over 20 years now. I was first at Hebden Bridge Saints and coached my children’s teams. I got involved with disability coaching as one of my sons has a learning disability and a disability football session had been set up in Halifax. Greetland then approached us to offer their support and the rest is history. I have to say that coaching disabled players is by far the most rewarding coaching I have been involved with!
Whats the best advice you could give to someone looking to get into coaching ?
It’s a bit of a cliché but do it for the fun of it. Football should be fun and enjoyable for players and coaches. It’s nice to win but that should not be the be all and end all. Football is the best sport in the world and players can learn so much from playing it in the right spirit.
Did you play football when you were younger ?
I only gave up playing fairly recently as my joints wouldn’t take it any more! I mainly played five a side due to family and work commitments but we had a decent side in the local Halifax leagues. I have made lots of friends through playing football and regularly bump into people I have played with and against.
Who is/was your biggest inspiration ?
On a personal level my father, who had a really hard upbringing but did everything to support his family.
On a football level Jimmy Sirrel (see below) who took a struggling fourth tier club into the top level of English football on a shoestring.
Which football team do you support and why ?
I am a massive Notts County supporter. I am a season ticket holder and get to as many away games as I can. Research hasshown that we are the most stressful team in the country to support due to all the ups, downs and near misses – its never boring being a Notts fan!
You’re going out to dinner which three famous people make the table?
John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) – front man from the Sex Pistols and PIL. A hero from my youth and never afraid to speak his mind.
Charlie Palmer (former Notts County player) who scored the winning goal in the last minute against those across the Trent (who shall not be named) in the last league game between us. We still celebrate Sir Charlie Palmer day!
Bob Mortimer, the funniest man in the world.
Favourite takeaway meal ?
I love a good curry.
If you could change one rule in football what would it be ?
The rule where a player has to leave the pitch for a minute after treatment for an injury. I can understand this to stop players feigning injury, but this should not apply when they have been fouled by the opponents, who then themselves gain an advantage by playing against ten men/women.
Would you rather win a game 3-0 or 6-3 ?
In disability football 6-3 as it will have been an exciting game with lots of ups and downs. In the professional game definitely 3-0 – in fact I’m very happy with a 1-0 win.
Favourite holiday destination ?
I am not a sun-seeker so beaches don’t do it for me. I love walking in the mountains so Austria or anywhere in the Alps. I also love exploring the UK – there’s so many places I still want to visit.
