Our protocol for acquiring a goalkeeping coach: Anglo-Saxan Chronicle 25

Here is the protocol that I use, as manager of FC Saxan, for acquiring a goalkeeping coach.

1. Check the personality. If unsatisfactory (e.g. ‘unsporting’), abort.

2. Check whether the goalkeeper-coaching attribute meets the threshold for the club? If yes, shortlist, If not, abort.
3. Rank the shortlisted coaches initially on the basis of their goalkeeper-coaching attribute.
4. Then consider whether any of the following provides a case for over-riding the above ranking:
   • personality: a coach with a particularly desirable personality (e.g. ‘professional’) may be preferable, even if the goalkeeper-coaching attribute is not the highest;
   • mental strengths (especially determination and discipline);
   • potential: someone at or near the start of their career may be able to improve by studying for badges.
5. Having re-ordered the shortlist in the light of the above considerations, opt for the coach who is least well-known, on the basis that he is likely to be least expensive and least likely to be poached.
6. But before offering a contract, check that the coach speaks the language, since the expense of a language course may well prove prohibitive.
7. And, if the coach has impressive mental strengths, consider whether they are a candidate for the role of assistant manager.