Smith's journey

After studying for his Pro Licence alongside some of the biggest names in football, Leyton Orient Assistant Manager Dean Smith says that the principles of good coaching are the same throughout all levels of football.

Having been part of the 'Class of 2008' that included the likes of Roy Keane, Gary Ablett, Steve Agnew and Dave Parnaby; Smith believes that there are only minor differences at the highest level.

Speaking exclusively to TheFA.com, Smith said: "When you're working in the lower leagues you search for those secrets that make the Premier League teams a success, and coming on this course you find that a lot of what we do is similar.

"That vindicates what you're doing and shows you that you're on the right track."

An Orient hero as a player, leading the O's out in two Playoff finals, Smith admits that he was able to glean a great deal of information from his playing days - but that nothing prepared him for being a coach.

Now armed with his Pro Licence, Smith says that every aspect of his education will help him become a better coach.

"I've been coaching for ten years so to finally get my Pro Licence has been a real journey," Smith explained. "I've enjoyed it a great deal.

"I think you pick up a little bit from every manager you have worked with, and you round the ideas together to make you're own philosophy.

"Then there are things that you see happen and you say to yourself 'I would have done it differently'.

"When you're a player you question decisions, perhaps just in your own mind, but until you are in the seat yourself you can't fully appreciate the bigger picture.

"I've also learned how important it is to manage your players. You can coach them and improve them, but the management side is crucial.

"It's important that you manage and delegate where you can. In football you always try to do too much, there will always be people who can take things on themselves and you have to be able to pass tasks on."