Why Managers Must Prioritize Their Own Fitness

The demanding nature of football management, often overlooked, takes a significant physical and mental toll, a reality underscored by recent health scares, according to BBC Sport columnist Tony Pulis. Pulis, who managed Bournemouth, Gillingham, and other clubs, described his early management career as a period of relentless workload where he handled everything from scouting to team coaching.

"In those days, and in fact throughout my whole career, I wanted to be the person who made all the footballing decisions at my club," Pulis wrote. "That meant I did everything from scouting players to signing the ones I wanted, and organised my staff at every level..."

He highlighted the immense stress that comes with being solely responsible for team performance and results. "All the arrows and guns are pointed in your direction, and you have no way of protecting yourself, apart from by winning games," he explained. This pressure, he noted, could significantly impact a manager's health and well-being.

Pulis's turning point came in 1994 after a conversation with an Australian triathlete who advised him that his job was not only physically taxing but also detrimentally affecting his stress levels. This realization led him to adopt a more manageable lifestyle, prioritizing his own fitness. He began incorporating early morning workouts before dedicating the rest of his day to his managerial duties.

His commitment to personal fitness extended to running marathons, cycling long distances, climbing mountains, and rowing challenges, often for charity. These physical endeavors not only improved his own fitness but also helped manage his stress and improve sleep, preventing work-related worries from keeping him awake.

Beyond physical activity, Pulis developed strategies for mental health, including consciously avoiding media coverage of himself or his team. He also emphasized the importance of confiding in trusted staff and, crucially, dedicating time to family. "Sundays were always about spending all day with the family," he recalled. "Whether it was watching my son Anthony playing football as a young boy, or just being around the children full stop, that was how I relaxed."

When advising younger managers today, Pulis stresses the necessity of maintaining enthusiasm for self-care, especially under the intense pressures of the job. He contrasts the current support systems with his early career, noting that while the risks remain, help is now more readily available. Programs like the League Managers' Association's 'Fit To Manage' initiative and increased support from club medical staff offer a level of care that was absent when he began managing.