An Interview with....................................

Joe Royle

Q1. Which Major Changes do you feel have taken place in English football over the past 10 years?

Wage Explosion, transfer rules, more and more clubs are getting in financial trouble. The raising of standards in the Premier league with top foreigners. Higher profiles for players and managers. Less trust in relationships between pro football and the media etc.
Q2. What do you think our young players should work on, to develop in the game today?

Basic skills allied to athletic prowess.
Q3. Do you have a preferred playing system?

Give the right players 4-4-2. Can accommodate any other system.
Q4. Have you been influenced in your coaching career?

Bill Taylor at Man City greatly impressed me. Harry Catterick, as my first Manager had a great influence.
Q5. Has this changed your philosophy on playing the game?

 No, the best players generally make the best team if fit and organised.
Q6. What role does sports psychology play in your preparation?

 A big part. We have an in-house sports psychologist and regularly have motivational sessions.
Q7. Who is the most talented player you have coached and why?

 In sheer talent, Anders Limpar at Everton but was inconsistent. Also Dave Watson was a great out and out defender. Andrei Kanchelskis was a match winner.
Q8. Who is the funniest and why?

Les Chapman, our physio, could of made a living on the stage.
Q9. What is your worry, if any, on football today?

 Too much money paid in salaries, in some cases to 'Ordinary players'. Unless the wages are controlled football could be in danger.
Q10. From the players you have managed/coached, name your best eleven you would like to see as a team?

Goram

Irwin

Jobson 

Watson

 Hinchcliffe

Kanchelskis

  Parkinson  

       Horne 

 Limpar

Stuart

   Rideout 

Q11. If football vanished, what would you become?

 Retired.
Q12. What is your dream?

 Manchester City surviving and going on to challenge Europe.
A special thanks to Joe Royle, through a difficult time, he had the kindness to answer the questions. Good luck Joe in the future.