2. Can He Delegate?
One of the most common problems a promoted number two faces is trying to do it all. Familiar with the day to day life of the training ground, the former assistant manager finds it difficult to delegate training to others, and with the additional responsibility of transfers, contracts, scouting, match preparation and tactics, and the press. Not only does this put a strain on the new manager, but it also means the players hear the same voice, the same ideas, and when it comes to match day, as the manager barks out orders from the touchline, the players can become unresponsive. Look at managers like Alex Ferguson, Harry Redknapp, or Roberto Mancini. They are surrounded by trusted generals who do most of the work on the training pitch, and generally harangue the players during the game, but when a point needs to be made, when that crucial, game changing instruction needs to be delivered, the manager steps up and the players listen. Will Clarke be able to sit back and let his assistants do the donkey work? Or will he be so desperate to make an impression, so set in his old ways, that he wont be able to let go?