Military language is often used to describe a professional football manager’s highly-pressured existence.  However, the routine phrases were made real for candidates on last week’s UEFA Pro Licence.

Floyd Woodrow joined the SAS aged 22, one of the UK’s youngest soldiers to do so and went on to serve in various operational areas around the world. Throughout his distinguished career, paying attention to detail has routinely allowed Woodrow to excel.

“I was taught by one of the best soldiers in the world and he made sure that we understood that if we do the basic skills and do them to a high standard then we will probably win," explained Woodrow, who was speaking to the 22 candidates on The FA’s prestigious coaching course at St. George’s Park.

“Nothing in my life has changed in any environment I have ever been in. As long as I do things correctly, then I am probably going to be better than most people,”

During his career, Woodrow was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal, the UK’s second highest gallantry award for bravery, and an MBE for his exemplary services whilst in Afghanistan.

He now shares the principles that served him throughout his military career. The human element of leadership, team development and stress are a key focus for Woodrow.

“It is about knowing how to stick to the same principles that work: good vision, good-start point, understanding how to operate in the pressure zone and then committing and doing it wholeheartedly.”

Woodrow believes that the foundations of success are transferable across sports, industry and other walks of life. He also recognises the difficulties that the Pro-Licence candidates face in their current, or prospective, roles.

He added: “There seems to be a common theme that runs through all of the most talented individuals, teams and organisations. What I try to do is look at it from their perspective and in my opinion football is probably one of the toughest jobs to do as a leader.”

However, the enduring message Woodrow hoped the candidates would leave the course with was again underlined by simplicity: "Basic things done well."

There will be further interviews with UEFA Pro Licence candidates Chris Powell and Lois Fidler later this week.

In the meantime, read the thoughts of former Manchester United midfielder and current UEFA Pro Licence candidate, Paul Ince, here