In March 2020 Robbie Simpson was appointed as Chelmsford City's Manager. Just 10 months prior, he was still a professional footballer. Next year, he will mark 4 years in the dugout, so, I spoke to Robbie to find out what his transition was like.
Robbie said 'The transition from playing to managing was a quick and sudden one really, I had signed for Chelmsford in the summer to play football part-time, while I forged another career.' He was signed for the Clarets by Rod Stringer, in August 2019, following a career where he played plenty of football league football. Stringer was sacked mid-season, after 3 and a half years at the club. Simpson said 'Come January (2020), I was asked to take interim charge of the club, anticipating that a manager would be appointed. I was offered the job but turned it down a few times before eventually taking it.' After 8 games in charge, with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 4 defeats, he was finally announced as the full-time manager.
In the short space of time between his appointment and the COVID-19 pandemic, Simpson said he found it 'really tough' being the player/manager. 'Playing while being the manager was tough to focus on. On one hand, you're thinking about your playing side and doing the best you can whilst, on the other hand, you're also thinking about managing the team. It was a lot instantly, as by becoming the manager you're no longer just a teammate to those around you.'
Under Stringer, the Clarets had been dropping off from where they had been. Robbie said that the club was 'lacking a bit of professionalism' which he looked to install. 'Obviously, I had plenty of years in the professional game, meaning I knew what a professional outfit looked like. I brought as much of the to part-time football as I could. I wanted to instill a culture of even though we are part-time, we think with a full-time mentality.'
Having played for a while, Robbie said he 'had to take a lot of what I learned in my playing days.' He played under managers such as Lee Clark, at Huddersfield, and Paul Dickov at Oldham Athletic. 'It was a really tough transition into management, but one that I actually really enjoyed. I had always been a leader in the dressing room, so it was just an extension of that but, with the added responsibility of controlling what I wanted the team and club to look like.
This coupled nicely with what the owner's vision for the club was, in terms of bringing players through and being sustainable. It was tough as the amount of money that was spent was not spent wisely, as it tended to be players at the back end of their careers. We flipped that on its head, bringing in young players who want to progress, as well as improving our academy. Lots of exciting things, but it was never easy.'
With a record of winning 61, drawing 44, and losing 52 in 157 games, Simpson's Clarets have been very successful. Last season, a trip into the playoffs as well as the FA Cup 1st round showed their success, with only more to come surely.
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