The Doc’s Prescription - Switching codes
Donegal manager Jim McGuinness was appointed as performance director for Celtic FC's academy on Friday. Picture courtesy of the Celtic View
In the current world of modern day team sports, the media’s profile of high profile players and managers tends to be very significant.
However, not too many of these high profile sports people are prepared to leave the ‘comfort zone’ of their chosen sports.
Donegal’s All-Ireland winning coach, Jim McGuinness, however, is the exception to the rule in this case as he prepares to take on a role with soccer giants Glasgow Celtic.
His job description comes under the heading of ‘Performance Coach’ and I have no doubt the Glenties man will prove to be a success at it.
In the past it was simply about the manager and the players, but now to reach the top, teams need conditioning coaches, performance coaches, nutrition experts, psychologists and a host of other specialists.
Donegal boss, McGuinness is one of those specialists but I wonder how he will cope in an environment where he is not the overall supremo?
He will clearly have the skills required but when one has been used to making all the major decisions, it can be a bit of a culture shock to have someone else make them for you.
Strangely, I believe that it will help him in his Donegal role also as it will blunt some of the second season syndrome that’s almost certain to kick in after their superb All-Ireland triumph.
Still, only someone as driven as McGuinness could or would want to combine the pressures of two top jobs but that’s what makes him who he is.
Combine them successfully and he will be declared a genius, but should Donegal falter in their bid to retain ‘Sam’ and the ‘I told you so’ brigade will be out in full force.
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Weather for Derry
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: West
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