LMA Mentors List by leaguemanagers

LMA MENTORING PROGRAMME

MENTORS LIST

LMA MENTORING .

Introduction

The LMA believes that, whilst football management can be isolating, it is not a job to be done on your own. The LMA Mentoring Programme plays a fundamental role in the day-to-day, vocationally relevant support we provide to our members.

The team of LMA Mentors provide expert, impartial guidance and mentoring across all areas of the game, both on and off the pitch, to support with the growing demands and pressures of football management.

The role of an LMA Mentor can be summarised as:

• To support members on the realities and challenges of football management

• To collate members’ views and opinions on selected technical issues

• To promote and signpost members to the relevant LMA services

For more information on the LMA Mentoring Programme, or to access the support of a LMA Mentor listed in this brochure, please contact Mike.Gilmore@leaguemanagers.com.

Experience

• LMA Mentor (2018present)

• England Under-19 Manager (20092014)

• Exeter City Manager (2000-01)

Profile

NOEL BLAKE.

LMA Mentor I’M VERY GRATEFUL TO THE LMA FOR PROVIDING ME WITH A MENTOR. I HAVE WORKED WITH A LOT OF DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND COACHES, AND I HAVE TO SAY THAT MY LMA MENTOR IS THE BEST I HAVE WORKED WITH. HE HAS A NATURAL EMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING AND HIS SUPPORT HAS BEEN EXTREMELY VALUABLE TO ME. “

Noel is a vastly experienced coach and manager in the English game having progressed from a 22 year playing career to coaching at both club and international level, establishing a proven ability to develop players and build high performing teams in line with set development strategies, club objectives and available resources.

He was a key figure in the FA’s international youth structure for seven years as a coach at U19, U18 and U16 level, having worked with some of the brightest young talent in the domestic game. He now turns his attention to helping managers, coaches and leaders in the game excel and reach their potential.

NIGEL ADKINS.

NOEL BLAKE.

KEVIN BOND.

AIDY BOOTHROYD.

TERRY CONNOR.

KEITH CURLE.

NEIL DEWSNIP.

STEVE EVANS.

PAUL BRACEWELL.

JOHN COLEMAN.

STUART GRAY.

BRENT HILLS.

DAVE JONES.

BRIAN LAWS.

MO MARLEY MBE.

STEVE MCCLAREN.

BRIAN MCDERMOTT.

STUART PEARCE MBE.

CHRIS RAMSEY MBE.

MICHAEL PHELAN.

JAMIE PITMAN.

STEVEN REID.

TONY SMITH.

NEIL THOMPSON.

CHRIS TURNER.

Experience

• LMA Mentor (2018present)

• England Under-19 Manager (20092014)

• Exeter City Manager (2000-01)

Profile

NOEL BLAKE.

LMA Mentor

LMA MENTORS.

Experience

• Tranmere Rovers Manager (2023-25)

• Charlton Athletic Manager (2021)

• Hull City Manager (2017-19)

• Sheffield United Manager (2015-16)

• Reading FC Manager (2013-14)

• Southampton FC Manager (2010-13)

• Scunthorpe United Manager (2006-10)

• Bangor City Player/Manager (1993 – 1996)

Profile

NIGEL ADKINS.

LMA Mentor

Nigel is an experienced football manager and coach renowned for leading his teams to multiple promotions, including taking Southampton from League One to the Premier League in successive seasons.

Following an extensive playing career spanning over 300 matches, Nigel qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist, completing 557 games in the role as Physio with Scunthorpe United, giving him a unique perspective and varied experience in the game.

He started his managerial career at Bangor City as Player/Manager where he won two League of Wales titles and enjoyed a spell competing in the European Cup.

Nigel also led Reading, Sheffield United, Hull City, Charlton Athletic and Tranmere Rovers, where he has built a reputation for positive leadership, detailed preparation and a strong focus on player development.

Drawing on decades in elite football, he now focuses on sharing his experience through mentoring and support work with managers and coaches via the LMA.

Experience

• LMA Mentor (2018present)

• England Under-19 Manager (20092014)

• Stoke City Academy Manager (2004-07)

• Barnsley FC Assistant Manager (2003-04)

• Notts County FirstTeam Coach (200102)

• Exeter City Manager (2000-01)

Profile

NOEL BLAKE.

LMA Mentor

Noel is a vastly experienced coach and manager in the English game having progressed from a 22-year playing career to coaching at both club and international level, establishing a proven ability to develop players and build high performing teams.

He was a key figure in the FA’s international youth structure for seven years as a coach at U19, U18 and U16 level, having worked with some of the brightest young talent in the domestic game.

Noel now turns his attention to helping managers, coaches and leaders in the game through his extensive mentoring work with the LMA.

Experience

• Bristol Rovers First-Team Coach (2021-25)

• Southend United Manager (2019)

• Pegasus Manager (201617)

• Birmingham City Assistant Manager (2017)

• Jordan National Team Assistant Manager (2016)

• Aston Villa First-Team Coach (2016)

• Queens Park Rangers Assistant Manager (20012-15)

• Tottenham Hotspur Assistant Manager (200812)

• AFC Bournemouth Manager (2006-08)

• Newcastle United Assistant Manager (2006)

• Portsmouth FC Assistant Manager (2005-08)

• Southampton FC Assistant Coach (200405)

KEVIN BOND.

LMA Mentor

Profile

Kevin is a skilled coach and manager whose career has taken in the Premier League, English Football League and overseas leagues.

He has worked extensively alongside Harry Redknapp at clubs including Portsmouth, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers, contributing to promotions, European qualification and domestic cup runs at the highest level.

Kevin has also managed AFC Bournemouth, Hong Kong Pegasus and Southend United.

Now, Kevin uses his breadth of coaching and management experience to mentor and support fellow professionals through his work with the LMA.

Key Achievements

• EFL Championship Play-Off Winner (2013-14)

• EFL League Two Promotion (2021-22)

• League Cup Finalist (2008-09)

• Hong Kong FA Cup & League Cup Winners (2016)

+ 650 GAMES MANAGED OR COACHED.

Experience

• Jamshedpur Manager (2022-23)

• England Under-21 Manager (2016-21)

• England Under-19 Manager (2015-16)

• England Under-20 Manager (2014-15)

• Northampton Town Manager (2011-13)

• Coventry City Manager (2010-11)

• Colchester United Manager (2009-10)

• Watford FC Manager (2005-08)

Profile

AIDY BOOTHROYD.

LMA Mentor

Aidy is an experienced coach and manager with over 450 senior games across all four divisions of the English Football League.

Aidy went on to play a major role in England’s youth setup, managing the national under-19, under-20 and under-21 teams and helping deliver an unprecedented run of youth tournament success, including victory at the 2018 Toulon Tournament.

Using this blend of club and international experience, he now places particular emphasis on mentoring and supporting coaches through the LMA Mentoring Programme.

Key Achievements

• EFL Championship Play-Offs (2006)

• EFL Championship Manager of the Month (February 2006 and October 2007)

• Toulon Tournament (2018)

+ 450 GAMES MANAGED.

Experience

• Tottenham Hotspur Development Coach (2018-25)

• Sunderland AFC Assistant Manager (2015-17)

• Sunderland AFC Academy Elite Development Manager (2014-15)

• England National Coach/Assistant Manager under-16’s-20’s (2000-01)

• Halifax Town Manager (2000-01)

• Fulham FC Manager (1999-00)

Profile

PAUL BRACEWELL.

LMA Mentor

Paul is a highly respected coach and former manager whose post-playing career has focused on developing players and supporting managers at the elite level. After managing Fulham and Halifax Town, he moved into influential backroom and development roles, including serving as assistant manager in the Premier League.

At Sunderland, he assisted Dick Advocaat, Sam Allardyce and David Moyes.

Paul has worked across academy, first-team and development positions, notably with Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur, giving him a rounded perspective on long-term player pathways and high-performance environments.

Leaning on this breadth of technical and leadership experience, he now works to mentor fellow managers and coaches through the LMA’s programmes.

Experience

• Aldershot Town Manager (2025-present)

• Waterford Manager (2025)

• Gillingham Manager (2025)

• Accrington Stanley Manager (2014-24)

• Sligo Rovers Manager (2014)

• Southport Manager (2013-14)

• Rochdale Manager (2012-23)

• Accrington Stanley Manager (1999-2012)

Profile

JOHN COLEMAN.

LMA Mentor

John is a vastly experienced manager best known for transforming Accrington Stanley from non-league football into an established EFL club through multiple promotions.

John has also managed various clubs in the EFL and League of Ireland, giving him 30 years in management across professional and semi-professional tiers.

Drawing on this depth of experience in building teams on tight budgets, developing players and sustaining performance over time, he now mentors managers and coaches, in line with the LMA’s Mentoring Programme.

Key Achievements

• EFL League Two (2017-18)

• Conference National (2005-06)

• EFL Manager of the Season (2017-18)

• EFL League One Manager of the Month (December 2019 and November 2020)

• EFL League Two Manager of the Month (September 2015, March 2017, February 2018 and March 2018)

+ 1300 GAMES MANAGED.

Experience

• Solihull Moors Assistant Manager (2025)

• Dagenham & Redbridge Assistant Manager (2025)

• Grenada National Team Head Coach (2023-24)

• Blackpool FC Assistant Manager (2021)

• Cardiff City Assistant Manager (2021)

• APOEL Assistant Manager (2020-21)

• Republic of Ireland Assistant Manager (2018-20)

• Ipswich Town Assistant Manager (2012-18)

• Wolverhampton Wanderers Manager (2012)

• Wolverhampton Wanderers Assistant Manager (2008-12)

TERRY CONNOR.

LMA Mentor

Profile

Terry is a well respected coach with over 25 years of experience in English and international football. He enjoyed a professional playing career before moving into coaching, working across the Premier League, Football League and with the Grenada national team.

‘TC’ is well-known for being an integral part of Mick McCarthy’s coaching team for many years. Together, they achieved promotion to the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers, and countless Manager of the Season and Month awards.

Utilising his experience across club and international football, he now turns his attention to helping managers, coaches and leaders in the game excel and reach their potential.

Key Achievements

• EFL Championship (2008-09)

Experience

• Hartlepool United Manager (2022-23)

• Oldham Athletic Manager (2021)

• Northampton Town Manager (2018-21)

• Carlisle United Manager (2014-18)

• Notts County Manager (2012-13)

• Queens Park Rangers Assistant Manager (2010-12)

• Crystal Palace Assistant Manager (2007-10)

• Torquay United Manager (2007)

• Chester City Manager (2005-06)

• Mansfield Town Manager (2002-04)

Profile

KEITH CURLE.

LMA Mentor

Keith is an experienced manager whose career on the touchline has followed a long and distinguished playing career as a defender at the highest level.

He has managed a wide range of EFL clubs, often taking on challenging situations and stabilising squads in Leagues One and Two.

Building on decades in professional football, he now works as a mentor, sharing practical insights on leadership, resilience and culture in line with the LMA’s Mentoring Programme and wider support services.

Key Achievements

• EFL League Two Play-Offs (2019-20)

• EFL League Two Manager of the Month (October 2016)

• EFL Championship (2010-11)

Experience

• Plymouth Argyle Caretaker Manager (2023- 24)

• Canada Women’s National Team Coach and Mentor (2021)

• Plymouth Argyle Director of Football (2019-25)

• England Under-18 Manager (2014-19)

• England Under-20 Manager (2017)

• England Under-17 Manager (2015)

• Everton Academy (1996-2013)

Profile

NEIL DEWSNIP.

LMA Mentor

Neil Dewsnip brings decades of experience in player and coach development. After 17 years leading at Everton’s academy, he went on to manage England’s youth teams and served as Technical Director at Plymouth Argyle.

Neil is an experienced mentor having supported Head Coaches in all 4 major English leagues and across major tournaments including the Olympic Games, the World Cup and European finals.

Having shaped generations of young talent, he now focuses on supporting managers, coaches and leaders to excel and realise their full potential in football

WATCH: Neil discuss being a mentor in the modern game

Experience

• Bristol Rovers Manager (2025-present)

• Rotherham United Manager (2024-25)

• Stevenage FC Manager (2022-24)

• Gillingham FC Manager (2019-22)

• Peterborough United Manager (2018-19)

• Mansfield Town Manager (2016-18)

• Leeds United Manager (2015-16)

• Rotherham United (2012-15)

• Crawley Town Manager (2008-12)

• Boston United Manager (1997-02 & 2004-07)

Profile

STEVE EVANS.

LMA Mentor

Steve is a highly experienced manager renowned for building successful teams across the EFL. Over more than two decades in the dugout, he has led multiple clubs to promotions and play-off campaigns, gaining a reputation for maximising resources and creating strong cultures and high performing environments.

Steve has worked extensively in the Championship, League One and League Two, taking on high-pressure roles and often improving results quickly.

Now, drawing on this depth of experience, he supports fellow managers and coaches, sharing practical lessons on leadership, resilience and team building in line with the LMA’s mentoring programme.

Key Achievements

• EFL League Two Promotion (2022-23)

• EFL League One Plays-Offs (2013-14)

• EFL League Two Promotion (2012-13)

• Conference Premier (2010-11)

• EFL League One Manager of the Month (August 2018 and March 2021)

• EFL League Town Manager of the Month (October 2011 and April 2023)

+ 1250 GAMES MANAGED.

Experience

• Fulham FC Assistant Manager (2015-25)

• Sheffield Wednesday Head Coach (2013-15)

• Portsmouth FC Caretaker Manager (2011)

• Burnley FC Caretaker Manager (2010-11)

• Northampton Town Manager (2007-09)

• Wolverhampton Wanderers Assistant Manager (2002-06)

• Aston Villa Caretaker Manager (2002)

• Southampton FC Manager (2001)

Profile

STUART GRAY.

LMA Technical Consultant & Mentor

Stuart has built a reputation for leadership and consistency across numerous management and senior coaching roles with several top English clubs.

His vast experience in the game has seen him take in the top leagues in England and work alongside elite managers and coaches.

Now, applying his decades of experience, Stuart supports managers, coaches and leaders in developing their performance and achieving sustained success.

Key Achievements

• EFL Championship (2021-22)

• EFL Championship Play-Offs (2019-20)

• EFL Championship Play-Offs (2017-18)

+ 1000 GAMES MANAGED OR COACHED.

Experience

• Leicester City Women Assistant Manager (2021-22)

• UEFA Technical Observer (2019present)

• LMA Mentor (2018present)

• Head of Women's Elite Development The FA (2013-17)

• England Women Under19 Head Coach (2014)

• England Senior Women Interim Manager (2013)

• England Women Under23 Head Coach (200413)

• England Women Caretaker Manager (2006)

• England Women Senior Team Assistant Head Coach (2002-13)

• Coaching Experience at Brentford FC/Millwall FC/Watford FC and Fulham FC

• Coach Education Diploma Holder

BRENT HILLS.

LMA Mentor

Profile

Brent has been a major influence in English football, particularly through his leadership in women’s and youth development. Having served as England Senior Women Interim Head Coach and FA Head of Elite Development, he has played a vital role in shaping modern coaching standards.

He now turns his focus to helping managers, coaches and leaders across the game continue to grow and reach their highest potential.

WATCH: Brent talk about how he mentors

Experience

• Hartlepool United Manager (2017)

• Sheffield Wednesday Manager (2012-13)

• Cardiff City Manager (2005-11)

• Wolverhampton Wanderers Manager (2001-04)

• Southampton FC Manager (1997-00)

• Stockport County Manager (1995-97)

Profile

DAVE JONES.

LMA Mentor

Over a managerial career spanning several decades, Dave led Wolverhampton Wanderers to promotion to the Premier League in 2003 and managed Cardiff City to the FA Cup final in 2008. He also managed a number of clubs across the EFL at Championship and League One level.

Dave now leans on this breadth of frontline experience by mentoring and supporting managers and coaches, sharing practical insights on leadership, consistency and culture through the LMA’s Mentoring Programme.

Key Achievements

• EFL League One Promotion (2010-11)

• FA Cup Runner-Up (2007-08)

• EFL Championship Play-Offs (2002-03)

• EFL League One Promotion (1996-97)

• LMA Manager of the Year 1998

• EFL Championship Manager of the Month (September 2001, February 2002, August 2006, January 2008, October 2008, October 2009 and October 2010)

• EFL League One Manager of the Month (March 2012 and April 2012)

+ 840 GAMES MANAGED.

Experience

• LMA Technical Manager

• LMA Mentor (2018present)

• Scunthorpe United Manager (2012-13)

• Shamrock Rovers Manager (2012)

• Burnley FC Manager (2010)

• Sheffield Wednesday Manager (2006-09)

• Scunthorpe United Manager (1997-2006)

• Grimsby Town Manager (1994-96)

Key Achievements

• EFL League Two Play-Off Winner (1999)

• EFL League Two Manager of the Month (April 2005)

• EFL League One Manager of the Month (September 2006)

BRIAN LAWS.

Profile

LMA Technical Manager & Mentor

Brian Laws has enjoyed a distinguished career as both player and manager, representing clubs such as Nottingham Forest and Burnley before leading teams including Scunthorpe United and Sheffield Wednesday. With a wealth of leadership experience, he now uses his knowledge to help managers, coaches and leaders strengthen their approach and maximise performance.

WATCH: Brian on the role of a mentor

Experience

• England Women Under23 Manager (2021-23)

• England Women Interim Manager (2017-18)

• England Women Under21 Manager (2018-20)

• England Women Under19 Manager (2001-17)

• Everton Women Manager (2002-12)

Profile

MO MARLEY MBE.

LMA Mentor

Key Achievements

• FA Women’s Cup (2009-10)

• FA Women’s Premier League Cup (2007-08)

• UEFA Women’s Under19 Championship (2009)

Mo Marley MBE is a trailblazer in women’s football, having captained and managed Everton and led England Women’s youth teams to international success.

Recognised for her contribution to the game, she now applies her vast experience to helping managers, coaches and leaders grow, perform and succeed at every level of the sport.

WATCH: Mo discuss why she became a mentor

Experience

• Jamaica National Team Manager (2024-25)

• Manchester United Coach (2022-24)

• Queens Park Rangers Manager (2018-19)

• Newcastle United Manager (2015-16)

• Derby County Manager (2013-15)

• Nottingham Forest Manager (2011)

• VfL Wolfsburg Manager (2010-11)

• Twente Manager (200810 and 2012-13)

• England Manager (2006-07)

• Middlesbrough FC Manager (20001-06)

• England Assistant Manager (2000-02 & 2004-06)

• Manchester United Assistant Manager (1999-01)

STEVE MCCLAREN.

LMA Mentor

Profile

Steve is a vastly experienced coach and manager at the elite level, working across the Premier League, European competitions and international football, which has seen him earn silverware on multiple occasions.

Steve built a strong reputation as a coach before management, notably as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant during Manchester United’s 1999 treble-winning season, helping to develop elite players and high-performance environments.

He later transitioned into management, enjoying successful spells domestically, overseas and at international level.

Drawing on decades at the top level of the game, he now places particular emphasis on mentoring and supporting managers and coaches through the LMA.

Key Achievements

• Eredivisie (2009-10)

• Football League Cup (2003-04)

• UEFA Cup Runner-Up (2005-06)

690 GAMES MANAGED.

Experience

• Hibernian FC Director of Football (2023-24)

• Reading FC Manager (2015-16)

• Leeds United Manager (2013-14)

• Reading FC Manager (2009-13)

• Reading FC Chief Scout, Under-19 and Reserve Team Manager (200009)

Key Achievements

• EFL Championship Winner (2011-12)

• LMA Championship Manager of the Year (2011-12)

• Premier League Manager of the Month (January 2013)

• EFL Championship Manger of the Month (March 2010, April 2011, February 2012 and March 2012)

BRIAN MCDERMOTT.

LMA Mentor

Profile

Brian is a vastly experienced football manager and coach, best known for guiding Reading FC to Premier League promotion in 2012. A former player at the highest level, his journey spans many disciplines in football including scouting, recruitment and senior management roles. He now shares his expertise to support managers, coaches and leaders striving to realise their potential.

WATCH: Brian talk through the role of a mentor

Experience

• Nottingham Forest Manager (2014-15)

• Great Britain Manager (2012)

• England Under-21 Manager (2007-13)

• Manchester City Manager (2005-07)

• Nottingham Forest Manager (1996-97)

Key Achievements

• Premier League Manager of the Month (January 1197, April 2005 and August 2005)

• UEFA European Under21 Championship Runner-Up (2009)

Profile

STUART PEARCE MBE.

LMA Mentor

Stuart is a legendary figure within English football. Following a successful playing career including 78 England caps and iconic stints at Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United, he transitioned seamlessly into coaching and management.

He has coached with top-level managers including Kevin Keegan, Fabio Capello and David Moyes, earning respect for his ability to nurture young players and create high-performing environments.

During his managerial career he earned the Premier League Manager of the Month Award on three occasions and led England Under-21s to the UEFA European Championship final in 2009.

Stuart now uses his vast experience as a player, coach and manager to mentor fellow LMA members, sharing insights on leadership and high performance.

Experience

• Plymouth Argyle Assistant Manager (2024)

• Manchester United Assistant Manager (2018-22)

• Hull City Manager (2016-17)

• Hull City Assistant Manager (2015-16)

• Norwich City Assistant Manager (2014-15)

• Manchester United Assistant Manager (2008-13)

Key Achievements

• Premier League (2008-09, 2010-11 and 2012-13)

• Champions League (2007-08)

• League Cup (2008-09 and 2009-10)

• Premier League Manager of the Month (August 2016)

MICHAEL PHELAN.

LMA Mentor

Profile

Mike is a highly respected coach and manager, best known for his long association with Manchester United, where he worked alongside Sir Alex Ferguson during one of the most successful eras in club football.

As first-team coach and later assistant manager, he helped shape high-performing environments that delivered multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups and the 2008 UEFA Champions League

Mike has also managed Hull City and held senior coaching and technical roles at clubs including Norwich City, Burnley and Central Coast Mariners, giving him broad experience across different leagues and football cultures.

Drawing on this depth of elite-level knowledge in player development, leadership and team culture, he now uses his experience to mentor and support fellow LMA members, helping coaches and managers refine their practice in high-performance environments.

Experience

• Regional Coach Developer at The PFA (2022-present)

• Hereford United (2010-12)

Profile

JAMIE PITMAN.

LMA Mentor

Jamie is a former professional footballer and manager, and has now turned his focus to developing the next generation of leaders in football.

After managing Hereford United and working across various coaching roles, Jamie now mentors with both the LMA and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA). He draws on his managerial insight and years of frontline experience to guide coaches and managers through the challenges of leadership, team development, and career transition within the modern game.

Experience

• England U17 – U20 Professional Development Phase Lead (2025-present)

• Queens Park Rangers Technical Director (2016-24)

• Queens Park Rangers Manager (2015)

• Queens Park Rangers Head of Player Development and Academy Manager (2014-15)

• England U17 Assistant Manager (2014)

• Tottenham Hotspur Head of Player Development (2004-14)

• England U20 Manager (1998-2000)

Profile

CHRIS RAMSEY MBE.

LMA Mentor

Following a successful career as a player, Chris transitioned into coaching and development, he has worked across youth and senior levels, from roles with the England teams to a decade-long tenure at Tottenham Hotspur where he served as Head of Player Development.

He later managed Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League, then subsequently took on the role of Technical Director at the club in January 2016.

He now turns his attention to helping managers, coaches and leaders in the game excel and reach their potential.

Experience

• England Under-21 Assistant Coach (2025-present)

• Nottingham Forest First-Team Coach (2023-2024)

• Nottingham Forest Interim Manager (2021)

• Nottingham Forest First Team Coach (2020-2022)

• Scotland National Team Coach (2019-21)

• West Bromwich Albion Assistant Manager (2019)

• Crystal Palace FirstTeam Coach (2017-18)

• Reading FC FirstTeam Coach (2015-17)

Profile

STEVEN REID.

LMA Mentor

Steven is a former Republic of Ireland international who made over 200 Premier League appearances before turning to coaching.

He has since worked with several Premier League clubs, bringing deep insight into player development, performance and leadership.

Steven is also in the final stages of completing a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. He now focuses on helping managers, coaches and leaders across the game develop the mindset and skills to reach their potential.

WATCH: Steven discuss why he wanted to become a mentor

Experience

• Hull FC Head Coach (2023-24)

• Hull KR Head Coach (2019-22)

• Warrington Wolves Head Coach (2009-17)

• Leeds Rhinos Head Coach (2004-07)

• Huddersfield Giants Head Coach (2001-03)

Key Achievements

• Super League Grand Final (2004 and 2007)

• League Leaders Shield (2004 and 2011)

• Super League Coach of the Year (2006)

• Challenge Cup Final (2009, 2010 and 2012)

• World Club Challenge (2005)

• Rugby League International Federation Coach of the Year (2007)

TONY SMITH.

LMA Mentor

Profile

Tony Smith is an Australian rugby league coach with a long career in the Northern Hemisphere, having managed multiple Super League clubs including Huddersfield Giants, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Hull KR, and Hull FC. He is a two-time Grand Final winner and has also coached Great Britain.

He now focuses his time on helping business develop leaders, strengthen teams and transform organisational culture. With his decades of experience coaching elite sports teams to high performance, he has developed a unique approach to leadership and team development that is tailored to unique situations and people.

He works with LMA across many of its projects providing mentoring support to its membership.

Experience

• Sheffield Wednesday Coach (2011-25)

• Sheffield Wednesday Caretaker Manager (2020-21 & 2023)

• Leeds United Academy Manager (2004-11)

• Boston United Manager (2002-04)

• Scarborough Manager (2000-01)

• York City Manager (1999-00)

Profile

NEIL THOMPSON.

LMA Mentor

Neil is a highly respected coach and manager in the game, bringing decades of football experience to his mentoring work with the LMA.

Having coached and managed across all levels of the professional game, Neil is passionate about helping current and aspiring managers develop their leadership, communication, and tackle the realities of football management.

Neil has worked with managers and coaches at the highest-level and now uses this depth of experience to support fellow managers and coaches striving for success in the modern game.

Experience

• Chesterfield FC Director of Football (2017)

• Chesterfield FC Chief Executive (2011-17)

• Hartlepool United Manager (2008-10)

• Stockport County Manager (2004-05)

• Sheffield Wednesday Manager (2002-04)

• Hartlepool United Manager (1999-2002)

• Leyton Orient Manager (1994-95)

Profile

CHRIS TURNER.

LMA Mentor

Chris is a former professional player, manager, and senior executive. During his managerial career, he led a series of EFL clubs including Leyton Orient, Hartlepool United and Stockport County.

He later transitioned into Chief Executive and Director of Football roles at Chesterfield FC, giving him a broad perspective of the industry and modern requirements of football management.

His lifelong dedication to football now sees him helping managers, coaches and leaders develop their skills, adapt to change and reach their potential.

WATCH: