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December 2004

As I write this, the last column for 2004 it is perhaps time to reflect on what has been a tough year in many respects.

Holger Osieck Technical Director for FIFA

In this time of festive season and joy I would like to spare a thought for Christiano Junior his wife Juliana and family, Christiano from Brazil and a player for Dempo in India tragically died in the Cup Final recently after being struck by the opposing goalkeeper in what can only be described as a moment of madness. I had the misfortune to be at the game and well it will be something I will not forget for many years to come if ever.

I would however like to look on the bright side of things and as I write this column from Hong Kong where we have just completed one of the new Futuro iii course’s that FIFA have organised. The course is directed at Instructors and the idea is to help them train there own coaches in there respective countries. I think it is a fantastic way forward and FIFA along with the 6 Confederations are showing a real interest in the development of coach’s. The theory is if we have quality coaches we will have quality players! The course was attended by coaches from 10 different countries and was a great experience for all. We had the pleasure of having the Technical Director of FIFA who also attended the course Mr Holger Osieck who has a great deal of experience and has recently been appointed as the Technical Director. Spending time with him was for me invaluable me has I had the opportunity to observe and get advice from some one I admire both as a coach and as a man. The Hong Kong Federation were excellent as well as the facilities and they looked after us very well.

We also had Jim Selby from (Australia) who ran the course with me and it was good to get another perspective on things Jim runs the coach education programme for the Australian Football Federation and is also a FIFA Instructor.

On a personal note it is off to England and then on to Cyprus for the Christmas and New Year holidays and well being in England for Christmas Santa aside, means I will hopefully get to see a few matches and some old friends.
Looking forward to the New Year and all the hopes and possibilities it may bring I am also looking forward to the next challenge in my career as my contract in India draws to a close. In this business you don’t always get to choose where you end up and I guess that is part of the excitement in a way but what ever happens and where ever I go it will be 100% commitment and dedication to the job at hand, is there any other way?

I have been thinking recently of getting back into club football and the day to day involvement that it brings so while I have enjoyed my time in India and the amazing success we have had it is time to think on and look ahead to pastures new.

As I end the last column of the year I would like to wish each and every one of you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, may all your days bring you joy and happiness.

From me and mine to you and yours

Stephen