5 of England's 'Golden Generation' who failed as managers

England's Golden generation | Imago

5 of England's 'Golden Generation' who failed as managers

Ayoola Kelechi 06:52 - 14.01.2024

Great players do not always translate to good managers, and the stars in England's golden generation are proof of this

England's "Golden Generation" of footballers, despite their stellar playing careers, have largely struggled to replicate similar success in their managerial roles. This phenomenon has raised questions about the transition from player to manager and the unique challenges it entails.

Wayne Rooney

Rooney, a prominent figure of this generation, faced significant challenges in his managerial roles. His tenure at Derby County was marked by an "us against the world" mentality amidst financial and administrative turmoil, but it ultimately ended in relegation. 

Wayne Rooney || Imago
Wayne Rooney || Imago

His subsequent move to DC United also did not yield the desired results, failing to reach the playoffs in two seasons before moving to Birmingham, where his struggles continued. Rooney's journey as a manager exemplifies the difficulties faced by former players in adapting to the different demands of management.

Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard's managerial career started promisingly at Derby County, leading them to the Championship play-off. However, his time at Chelsea, despite initially promoting young talents and navigating a transfer embargo, ended in dismissal following inconsistent performances. 

Frank Lampard while at Chelsea as caretaker manager | Imago
Frank Lampard while at Chelsea as caretaker manager | Imago

His stint at Everton also saw challenges, eventually leading to his sacking. Lampard's experience underscores the high pressures and expectations in top-flight management, especially for former star players.

Phil Neville

Phil Neville's managerial career has been a mixed bag. His tenure with England's women's team had notable successes, including winning the SheBelieves Cup. However, his time at Inter Miami in the MLS was less successful, leading to his dismissal. 

Gary and Phil Neville || Credit: The Guardian
Gary and Phil Neville || Credit: The Guardian

Neville's journey illustrates the varied nature of managerial experiences and the different challenges of managing in diverse environments.

Paul Scholes

Paul Scholes managed Salford City and Oldham Athletic with a modest success rate. His management career was short-lived, as he quickly moved away from managing to pursue other interests.

Paul Scholes || Credit: Imago
Paul Scholes || Credit: Imago

Sol Campbell

Sol Campbell managed Macclesfield Town and Southend United. He showed promise in challenging circumstances but has since stepped back from the managerial spotlight, preferring life away from coaching.

Other Notable Names

Several other members of the Golden Generation have ventured into management or coaching, with varied degrees of success:

Ashley Cole has been an assistant coach but has faced setbacks in his roles alongside Lampard and Rooney.

John Terry  was the Premier League Player of the Month for January 2005 (IMAGO)
John Terry was the Premier League Player of the Month for January 2005 (IMAGO)

John Terry's coaching experience includes a successful period at Aston Villa and work with Chelsea's academy, but he has moved away from pursuing managerial roles.

David Beckham chose a different path, focusing on ownership roles at Inter Miami and Salford City.

Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi (2nd L) is presented by (from R) owners of Inter Miami CF David Beckham, Jose R. Mas and Jorge Mas at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on July 16, 2023| Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP/via Getty Images
Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi (2nd L) is presented by (from R) owners of Inter Miami CF David Beckham, Jose R. Mas and Jorge Mas at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on July 16, 2023| Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP/via Getty Images

Michael Owen, Wayne Bridge, Paul Robinson, Jamie Carragher, Owen Hargreaves, Joe Cole, Kieron Dyer, Emile Heskey, Ian Walker, and Darius Vassell have variously engaged in punditry, coaching roles at different levels, or other football-related activities.

The experiences of these former players highlight the complex nature of football management and the unique challenges it presents, especially for those transitioning from successful playing careers

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