YOUTH DRILLS PLAYER SEARCH PSYCHOLOGY INTERVIEWS LINKS
An Interview with....................................

John Deehan

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

The leagues decision to abandon the back pass being picked up has been the major change, the goalkeepers role has changed dramatically. The tackle from behind has also made the game much more entertaining.
Q2. What do you think our young players should work on, to develop in the game today?

Technical ability is the way the game is developing, so being master of the ball will be all important, physical development will come naturally, but the mental approach will also be an area we will see development in.
Q3. Do you have a preferred playing system?

Yes, I like 4-4-2, but took time to study the techniques of AC Milan coach Zacherani, who tried to adapt a 4-4-2 system to 3-4-3, unsuccessfully. 
Q4. Have you been influenced in your coaching career?

Yes, by many factors. But over the whole of my term in coaching I have wanted to outscore the opposition at any level.
Q5. Has this changed your philosophy on playing the game?

 No, but only confirmed my thought, any team in possession of the ball will have a better chance of winning the game.
Q6. What is your philosophy on playing the game?
Win with the style, but to do this every team member must be able to know his job in the planning of the team, and you hope he can carry out the job given to him.
Q7. What role does sports psychology play in your preparation?

Not an area I specialize in, but I am open to listen to information. This is an area that all top clubs will develop in, they are heavily into psychology and we will follow their lead.
Q8. Who is the most talented player you have coached and why?

It would be unfair to grade one against the other.
Q9. Who is the funniest and why?

Wayne Biggins. Always had a smile on his face and a wise crack for the lads. He also saw the funny side of difficult situations.
Q10. What is your worry, if any, on football today?

The fall out of young players at an early age is getting worse, their dreams and aspirations are dashed quickly.
Q11. From the players you have managed/coached, name your best eleven you would like to see as a team?

Bryan Gunn

Ian Culverhouse 

Ian Butterworth 

John Polston

 Mark Bowen

Ruel Fox

Ian Crook

Jeremy Goss

David Phillips

Chris Sutton

Mark Robins

The Norwich City team of 1995.
Q12. If football vanished, what would you become?

Disillusioned & disappointed. But it disappears for people every week. The harsh reality is its a cutthroat business.
Q13 . What is your dream?
To win a major trophy with Aston Villa. Its 44 years since we won the FA cup, that would be a dream to see the lads win the cup.
Q14 . What are your three favourite practices that you use with your players?
1. Keep ball - 6 v 6 with two spare players.

2. Passing in box with 16 players and four gates, using two balls.

3. Finishing, putting strikers in real game situations.
A special thanks to John Deehan. John is always willing to share his knowledge. While he was at Wigan Athletic FC he allowed me to watch one of his training sessions, and gave me some good advice, I will always be grateful. Good luck in the future.