Should LMA question Grant?

Graeme Bailey takes a look at the reasoning behind claims that Avram Grant is 'not' qualified enough to take charge at Chelsea.

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 24th September 2007

Should LMA question Grant?

Grant: Does he have the right?

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Once again the League Managers' Association is trying to flex its muscles with the insistence that Chelsea's new boss Avram Grant may not be eligible to be in charge of the Premier League giants.

The question at this point is what makes you qualified to be in charge of a Premier League club?

Along with the LMA, the Football Association's Trevor Brooking has called for Grant's credentials to be looked at, although the Israel FA have since stated that his status may need 'updating'.

But why? Why does Mr Grant - a former coach of Israel - need to answer to anyone other than his new boss Roman Abramovich - this is a man, who if needed could point to seven trophies during his time in his homeland.

New LMA chief Howard Wilkinson claims it is akin to British Airways employing a pilot without first seeing his licence, and while the stance of encouraging coaching courses is admirable - the reasoning is completely illogical and does little for their own argument.

Football has always been a simple game. For the most part, if you're good enough, you will get your chance, and that has been the same for players and coaches alike.

But now a man who has been coaching professionally since 1972 and managed his country for four years, is deemed not as qualified as somebody who has progressed through the FA's own coaching ladder.

The FA had little problem with Grant being director of football at Premier League Portsmouth - where he was responsible for overseeing the coaching and development at a top-flight side, but obviously is not able to manage them.

Although in defence of the FA there are some intriguing insights that can be learnt on the way - for instance during your Level 3 - equal to Uefa B badge - training, you will learn how to; develop possession, move to create space, counter-attack and play in the attacking third - perhaps Steve McClaren re-sat his Level 3 on the eve of the England's last two Euro 2008 qualifiers?

But realistically can you teach somebody to become a good coach/manager? Surely like with most sporting abilities - you either have it, or you don't.

A club is allowed to sign, subject to work permits, whichever player they want - but they are not allowed to appoint a manager on the same principle! At the moment Grant is allowed to stay in charge for 12 weeks - after which point if his qualifications are not deemed adequate, he will need special dispensation from the Premier League - which both Middlesbrough and Newcastle have previously got for Gareth Southgate and Glenn Roeder respectively.

Whilst many will disagree with Jose Mourinho's departure form Stamford Bridge - the right of Abramovich - or any owner, chairman, president - to appoint the manager of their choice should not be questioned on the basis that somebody does not have an appropriate certificate.

Let us know your thoughts on the LMA's stance, should Grant be allowed to stay on?

Comments (11)

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Pete Mc (Manchester United fan) says...

If Chelsea wish to appoint a manager who has limited experience and limited qualifications, then so be it! I cannot understand why issues such as this are so closely scrutinised by the LMA when surely it should be in the best interests of the club involved to ensure that their chosen manager is capable of coaching a professional football side. If he's good enough (which Roman obviously thinks he is) then qualifications should not be an issue. If he fails it'll be Chelsea's problem.

Posted 16:37 25th September 2007

Steve Davies (Chelsea fan) says...

There are loads of coaches in this country with the appropriate licences to coach football at all levels, doesn't necessarlily make them any good..just means that they can remember the mechanics of what they have been taught as correct methodology. The greatest coaches will always be the mavericks that push the boundaries and can formulate new tactics and moves etc. that eventually become the norm. The LMA are only trying to protect their out of work members (it's their job) doesn't make them right. Clubs should be able to employ anyone they think can do the business.

Posted 16:24 25th September 2007

Stephen Ogu (Chelsea fan) says...

As a matter of fact and not just my opinion, i do not think Avram Grant has the charisma to see chelsea through, yes he might win a couple of games, but i don't see chelsea being serious contenders for the title. Its quite obvious the fa are not happy about jose's exit, and to make matters worse, replacing him with Avram Grant...what the fa shuold be debating at this point in time is not about his qualification, but about his passion and charisma to coach a big club like chelsea. I just hope Grant proves me wrong (which i doubt), but time will tell...

Posted 14:47 25th September 2007

Linda Martin (Chelsea fan) says...

It's okay saying he coached Israel but what did he do for them - nothing! I have nothing against Mr Grant but getting rid of the best coach Chelsea have ever had ro replace him with Mr Grant was ludicrous and left thewmselves open to ridicule from both fans and media alike. Chelsea have had the best so they should have had someone who could still bring them the football Mr Abromovich wants and make the loss of Jose Mourinho less painful for the fans and less of a laughing stock for the rest of the premiership.

Posted 14:27 25th September 2007

Roger Crowley (Chelsea fan) says...

Didn't Gareth Southgate have the rules bent, if not broken, for him when he took over at 'Boro? Are the LMA suggesting that Grant is less experienced than Southgate? I think this is a case of 'stick the boot into the unpopular Russian billionaire' just to add salt to a self inflicted wound.

Posted 13:54 25th September 2007

Steve K (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...

He's an experienced manager so should have no problem getting the Licences required. It's the rules set out by the FA that certain Licences must be held, just get the licences it's simple!

Posted 13:01 25th September 2007

Ryan Smith (Chelsea fan) says...

How can the LMA compare hiring a football manager with BA hiring a pilot ?? That is daft. Obviously making sure a pilot is qualified is way more important, because you wouldn't want thousands of passengers lives to be in the hands of someone unqualified or underqualified. The owner of the club, in this case Abramavich, should be able to appoint any manager he sees fit to do the job. And that does not change the fact that I wish Mourinho was still at Stamford Bridge.

Posted 22:00 24th September 2007

Richard Galea debono (Chelsea fan) says...

To me it all sounds like a "closed shop" system! I don't think Grant should stay simply because he simply does not have the profile to carry Chelsea after Mourinho's sad departure. However football is not neurosurgery. Whether you are a licence holder or not, you cannot cause harm. At worst you can make a fool of yourself.

Posted 20:44 24th September 2007

Danielle Saunders (Manchester United fan) says...

I don't think its fair to hold Grant up for scrutiny. I think by making public statements it only proves the LMA are trying to shame Chelsea for making the decision to release Mourinho. But if it goes through, Chelsea need to make sure they have all the paperwork dotted and crossed. I'm no Chelsea fan but I don't want the fellas to be down anymore, they need to lift their heads now. Jose isn't coming back probably and they now have to play for themselves and the fans if not part of the board.

Posted 20:38 24th September 2007

Dan Ellis (Chelsea fan) says...

We will find out that he isn't good enough within those 12 weeks - certificate or not.

Posted 20:23 24th September 2007

Mirla Serieux (true football critic) (Manchester United fan) says...

He coached israel, let him coach here. Besides, when Chelsea continue to lose, they'll need someone to blame.

Posted 18:07 24th September 2007
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