Having just finished my Uefa coaching badges I decided, whilst on holiday in Monte Carlo, that it was time to get serious and apply for some vacant jobs. I was in a restaurant when I could her a man talking about how the only way forward for San Marino as a nation was to unify them with the club team and have them managed by the same man. I sat at the next table quietly telling my girlfriend that this rather drunk football fan had some good ideas....he overheard me.
After an hour and a half of talking football with the gentleman at the next table named Danilo Pretelli, he told me that he was the Chairman of San Marino Calcio of Serie C1. I was surprised, but surprise turned to shock when he told me that their manager had retired earlier in the week due to ill health and he offered me the job!!
It seems that our 90 minute chat had been some sort of interview after he had learned I was a fully qualified coach. He told me that he wanted a young manager with big ambition, determination, and commitment. He felt I possessed all of those assets. We had shared ideas about how the club could grow and it seemed we were on the same wavelength every step of the way.
He told me to stop by his villa the next day to review and sign the contracts and that his PA would find me an apartment in San Marino close to the club which they would pay for for 3 months until I found my own place, they would also lease me a small car until I bought my own.
After I had arrived in San Marino and met the players, had the tour, met the officials etc. I had a meeting with the San Marino FA, they shared Danilo's views of uniting the National Team and the club. Believe it or not the long term vision was to see San Marino qualify for a World Cup and they wanted me to achieve it! I took the job without thinking and that night it dawned on me just what I had let myself into! I had agreed to a long term plan of getting the club side to Serie A and the National Team to a World Cup. Were Danilo and I as mad as eachother?!
My first day in the office
I found agents contact details on the English FA website and began ringing around, I had seen the players train in the morning and the Chairman shared my view that we needed reinforcements. I had a modest 45k transfer budget but alot of wiggle room with the wages, I rang agent after agent...I needed a bargain or two! I was formulating a shortlist.
I also cancelled the National Team's friendly against Armenia. I didnt fancy playing a team ranked 150+ places higher for my first game and I didnt see how it would benefit the team. I finally managed to get in contact with the manager of Mauritius. We agreed on a friendly at their place...our FA's sorted the rest.
Just when I thought my first day was over...
I got a phonecall from a Sky Sports reporter. They wanted to run a story on the 26 year old Englishman who had just agreed to attempt the impossible...
SS - You have taken on a huge task, do you even speak Italian? Do you know about San Marino? Are you crazy?
Me - Of course, San Marino is my favourite restaurant, the Souvlaki is superb! But all joking aside, my knowledge of San Marino is quite small but as with the language its another thing I will learn quickly and I cant wait.
SS - Any players you are hoping to bring in?
Me - There are a few Im interested in but its early days. I need a couple of experienced heads, preferably lads who have played at a high level in the past. Most of all I want players who believe in what we are trying to achieve here.
SS - And what is that?
Me - We want to be in Serie A by 2019 and have the National Team giving World Cup qualification a good go by 2024 for the 2026 world cup.
SS - Can it be done?
Me - I believe so. This is a club on a high, they have just won a Promotion and even though I have only been here a short while, you can see the pride and joy that everyone has in being a part of this club and the National team. Its a challenge, i cant pretend it isnt. Alot of managers wouldnt touch this role with a barge pole but its exactly the type of thing I wanted, a long term strategy where I can help to build something. The national team is in need of change, the older players are leaving the scene and younger players need to come through, now is the time. Its a great opportunity for every footballer in San Marino.
Pre-Season update to follow...
