Joining the elite

In late June, 17 coaches and managers took their first steps on the UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification in the game.

Where the UEFA 'A' Licence focuses primarily on coaching, the Pro Licence concerns itself with modules on the financial side of the game, employment law, fitness and the media. All candidates are also required to conduct conference calls, club visits and a trip to an overseas club to view different coaching and training methods.

The Pro Licence takes a year to complete and the following coaches hope to complete the course in the summer of 2010:

Nigel Adkins, Frankie Bunn, Julie Chipchase, Bobby Davison, Roberto Di Matteo, Sean Dyche, Paul Hart, Keith Hill, Damien Matthew, Eddie Newton, Thorvaldur Orlygsson, Tony Parks, John Pemberton, Gus Poyet, Steve Staunton, Willum Thor Thorsson, Paul Tisdale.