Alex boss Steve Davis says he has to get into his players minds more this coming season
Steve Davis has told the club’s official web-site that he will aim to improve his own man-management style after enduring a tough second season in League One. The Alex boss has already gone on record to say that he learned a lot from last season’s real struggle against relegation and appreciates that the modern day footballer has to be managed and coached a bit differently.
The man-management of players has become vital with different individuals expecting different needs and motivations.
Steve told the club’s official web-site: “You are always learning and improving as a manager and a coach and I learnt a great deal from last season. It was a tough season but we managed to produce the goods when we really needed to.
“The players and staff showed that they could handle the pressure. I have learned that man-management has to improve. Different players respond to different things. It is a lot more individualistic than when I played. Some need a pat on the back, others the 'hairdryer' as they say.
“I tend not to use that tactic too much. You have to use it at the right time because a player will switch off if it happens too often. I think it is always better to remain calm and be constructive. As a manager you are looking to instil confidence and motivation into your players. I think our calmness helped us last season.
“You can have a go when the time is right and it is justified. You have to be doing it to have the right impact.
“The one thing I learned from last season is for me to try and get into the minds of players more. I need to be better with that and play to their strengths more.”