Nerves, expectations, first impressions and being yourself — so long as it is who they hoped for.
Day one in any job comes with nervous energy. When it comes to football managers, it comes with so much more.
The coming hours will see you thrust in front of a group of people setting you an immediate challenge; it could make or break your story.
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Russell Martin embarked on his first day at the helm with Southampton last week, Ange Postecoglou took charge at Tottenham a few days ago, and Daniel Farke will do likewise, after being unveiled as Leeds United manager yesterday evening.
So what does your first day as manager at your new club look like; where future success is the only focus and your eventual sacking the most likely outcome?
All you hope is for it to go better than Leroy Rosenior’s 11-minute reign at Torquay United, whose unveiling press conference was immediately followed by chairman Mike Bateson selling the club and the new owners relieving Rosenior of his duties.
Let The Athletic take you through day one in the life of a manager…
So much will have been discussed by the time you are offered and accepted the job. The homework begins once you are preparing for your interviews and carries on to day one.
Your new bosses will expect you to know the squad, the key figures above you and the staff. You will have discussed potential signings and backroom team: those inherited and who you want to bring in.
“That first day is when you should be executing the plan you had when you knew you’d get the job,” says Micky Mellon, who has won promotions with Tranmere Rovers and managed Fleetwood Town, Shrewsbury Town and Dundee United. “It’s seeing people for the first time, getting aware of the environment you’ll work in,
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