Staunton's Pro Licence ambition

As Steve Staunton looks for a route back into football there can surely be no better way of preparing for a return to management than to be studying for the UEFA Pro Licence, the top qualification in the game.

Leeds United’s former Assistant Manager spent the last week in June at the University of Warwick where he was joined by 16 other coaches and managers as they took their first steps on the course, which will become a mandatory requirement for all Premier League managers from 2010 onwards.

"It gives you a great insight into everything you have to think about within a club," Staunton said.

"You’ve got to be aware of so many aspects of all the things that go on behind the scenes. There’s not a lot of practical involved on the Pro Licence, but it’s been very interesting for me so far, certainly the psychological side of the game."

As Staunton alluded to, the purpose of the Pro Licence is to improve the skills needed to effectively manage top level players in the 21st Century. Whilst game preparation is a major focus it concerns itself more with the factors which surround the game, such as employment law, contract negotiations, how to deal with agents and the media and how to manage top professionals. An overseas study visit is also a key part of the syllabus.

The course is run by John Peacock, The FA’s Head of Coaching and UEFA Pro Licence Course Director, and Dick Bate, The FA’s Elite Coaching Manager. Although it takes 12 months to complete Staunton is well aware that his education will not cease there.

"It is a year-long qualification but after this year I will continue to learn," he admitted.

"It just opens your mind up that little bit more. You’re always looking to learn more and if you’re not, you might as well forget about coaching and managing.

"The good thing about this course is that everything is about football. Obviously the course revolves around football, but all the chat with the other coaches, in the classroom and outside the classroom, working out different scenarios, discussing training drills etc. Everything is about football and I wouldn’t have it any other way."

With 102 caps Staunton is Republic of Ireland’s most capped international player, featuring in the finals of three World Cup campaigns and in turn, becoming the only player to have played in all 13 of Ireland’s World Cup matches.

A solid left-back with a fierce shot, Staunton enjoyed two spells at both Liverpool and Aston Villa, finishing his playing career at Walsall, after stints at Crystal Palace and Coventry City. It was at the Bescot Stadium where Staunton began his coaching career, although he had earmarked a future for himself in coaching while he was still playing.

"I tried to complete my ‘B’ Licence when I was 25," he revealed, "but because I was always away with Ireland in the summer for four or five days at a time, I could never fit in the time to complete the course.

"Although I couldn’t quite finish them, I’d certainly recommend any player to start taking his [coaching] badges whilst he’s playing, because it will not only help you with your game, but it will also help you understand some of your manager’s decisions. It would be really beneficial."

In January 2006 Staunton became manager of his country before joining Gary McAllister at Leeds early in 2008. Together they supervised Leeds’ run to the League One play-off final where they lost to Doncaster Rovers. Staunton left his post at Leeds when Simon Grayson replaced McAllister as manager and he now hopes to return to the dugout as soon as possible.

"I’ve been doing some scouting for Wolves but while I try to get back into coaching and management I’ll continue with improving my knowledge of the game.

"I’ll keep my eye in as best I can and completing this course is all part of that. So far it has been fantastic."