Description

Rob is in conversation with former professional footballer and current coach at Port Vale, Anthony Griffith, who's here this week to share the story of his career, and to pass on the wealth of advice he's gathered across the years to anyone with an interest in the game, or the life surrounding it.

Anthony's journey is filled with sage wisdom, surprises, and invaluable guidance for players, coaches and family, old or young.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• As a youth player, Anthony found that being away from home, and finding himself suddenly cast into a foreign environment, mean that he had to sink or swim. Many other young men felt like quitting, but Anthony chose the opposite route, deciding that it was time to step up and find his independence.
• Youth training in football is not just about teaching young people how to play the game. It's also about preparing them for life, to develop their confidence, their will and their decision making.
• Anthony always gave his best when he was given the opportunity to improve as a player, and when he was treated fairly by the many managers in his career. When you work hard, you should be rewarded. Positivity and merit are cornerstones of the way he teaches.
• The key to the longevity in Anthony's career has always been his desire for self-improvement. He values the art of bettering himself, and is always seeking to develop himself both physically and mentally. The best players are ones who choose to improve themselves of their own accord.
• Anthony's professional career was all but derailed when problems began to develop in his hip. For a long period of time, Anthony struggled with depression as a result, and had to regularly pull himself out of mental slumps. But as he discovered, mental willpower is everything. By accepting his physical weaknesses, he was able to embrace a new direction in his career. It all began with a positive and strong mental outlook.
• Finding one's grounding in life is vital to self-development. Anthony credits his religious beliefs with this quality. He regularly enjoys interacting with the world and his religious community outside of football, which allows him to find his feet again. An outlet for your energies, and a chance to unwind from the competitive environment is an essential part of being a human being.

BEST MOMENTS

‘It's been a good story. It's been a really good story'

'Before you knew the man, you saw the evidence of the team'

‘You only remember the names if they have an effect on your life'

'Talent only gets you so far. You have to mix it with hard work'

‘If you've got big shoulders and a strong mind-set then you'll overcome'

‘Every day I'm learning. I'm taking things away'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Leader Manager Coach Podcast

The Modern Soccer Coach Podcast

ABOUT THE GUEST

Anthony Griffith is a former professional footballer who is now currently a coach at Port Vale. He has transitioned into coaching after his career was cut short by a hip injury.

His domestic playing career saw him play two spells at Port Vale, at Doncaster Rovers, Leyton Orient , Shrewsbury Town and Carlisle United.

Anthony or ‘Griff' also played internationally for Montserrat.

His passion for playing remains untainted and alongside his coaching despite his injury he continues to play semi professionally.

ABOUT THE HOST

Rob Ryles is a UEFA A licensed coach with a League Managers Association qualification and a science and medicine background. He has worked in the football industry in Europe, USA and Africa; at International, Premiership, League, Non-League and grassroots levels with both World Cup and European Championship experience.

Rob Ryles prides himself on having a forward thinking and progressive approach to the game built through his own experience as well as lessons learned from a number of highly successful managers and coaches.

The Leader Manager Coach Podcast is where we take a deep dive examining knowledge, philosophies, wisdom and insight to help you lead, manage and coach in football, sport and life.

CONTACT METHOD

https://www.robryles.co.uk/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMPYDVzZVnA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertryles/?originalSubdomain=uk

LEARN MORE HERE Football, coach: https://www.patreon.com/robryles

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