"The erosion of a manager's authority has been a gradual process over many years. It has accelerated with the widespread introduction of football, technical, or sporting directors, who now oversee long-term football strategy, report directly to CEOs or owners (or both), and sit structurally above the head coach."
"Personally, I have no issue with this evolution. Strategy, culture, planning, and continuity are critical to success in any organisation - and a football club is no different. My belief is that we should embrace a modernised version of the traditional manager, where we recognise the people they lead, manage and coach."
"Only England's first-ever manager Walter Winterbottom (139) and their 1966 World Cup-winning boss Alf Ramsey (113) have overseen more games in charge of the team than Southgate (102)."
Managerial authority in football has been gradually eroded by the growth of football, technical, and sporting directors who oversee long-term strategy and often sit structurally above head coaches. Several top European clubs made managerial changes in 2026, underlining shifting power dynamics. England's manager left after eight years following a 2-1 Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, with 102 matches overseen, behind Walter Winterbottom (139) and Alf Ramsey (113). Interest in a return to club management exists despite the last club role ending with Middlesbrough's relegation in 2008-09. A modernised manager role should be embraced while empowering the people they lead, manage, and coach.
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