Soccer: Director sees his role on long-term basis

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Though he follows a long line of football coaches who have arrived from "the other side," do not expect Paul Smalley to follow the lead of those who promised the earth only to quickly pack it in and shoot through.

"I have given New Zealand Soccer a long-term commitment," said Nottingham-bred Smalley, who has arrived to take up the director of football role.

"The strategies I have are very much long term."

Smalley, good enough to represent England at under-15, 16 and 17 level, and who went on to play professionally, was coaching long before his playing career ended.

"Football has been my life. It had an instant attraction," said Smalley, who celebrates his 36th birthday tomorrow.

"My love of the game not only transpires to playing but coaching as well."

By the time he was 21, Smalley had the highest English Football Association coaching qualification.

He has worked closely with the FA since, mainly in coach education and player development - the two roles which will occupy most of his time here.

"Five or six years ago there was a major restructuring at the FA, including a review of how we should develop young players, something I had been doing for some time," Smalley said.

"I was based in Nottingham as a regional director. There were 17 professional clubs within my area, with my expertise again in educating coaches, with particular emphasis on getting them to understand the requirements in working with players."

In his role he will have an all-encompassing role being responsible for "all footballing matters."

Why then did he leave his comfort zone and the chance to continue his work with an association which is spending $200 million on establishing a new headquarters to come halfway around the world?

"Simple. I was attracted to the role and its responsibilities," Smalley said . "It is a big challenge and one I'm going to relish. When I spent five days here in August, looking around and evaluating things, I got back on the plane knowing I would be back."

New Zealand Soccer chief executive Bill MacGowan welcomes Smalley's long-term commitment.

"I don't believe the director of football role has been fulfilled properly for a number of years," MacGowan said. "Unlike others, Paul is not chasing a team-coaching role. His emphasis is on coach development/player development. We have every confidence he will deliver."