Some points to note on this subject are:

  • To coach in the Premier League, you need one of two coaching qualifications: either The FA Coaching Diploma or the UEFA PRO Licence.

  • This rule was introduced by the FA Premier League to bring England into line with UEFA regulations. The FA does not enforce this rule, but it does deliver the coaching courses.

  • This is a Premier League rule, made in consultation with The FA, LMA and PFA.

  • All Head Coaches/Managers must have the UEFA PRO Licence by 2010 to work in Premier League.

  • The FA Coaching Diploma was awarded in 2003 to coaches with 10 years or more experience of being a Number 1 (Manager/Head Coach) (This was the case with Kevin Keegan for example) OR to Managers who attended the specially run FA Coaching Diploma Course in the Summer of 2003 which was open to Managers who had managed Premier or Football League clubs during the 2002-3 sesaon.

  • Apart from Eddie Gray every current Premier League Manager either holds a UEFA Pro Licence, has enrolled on a UEFA Pro Licence course, or holds The FA Coaching Diploma.

Eddie Gray does not have 10 years experience as Head Coach.