People often like to quote the legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly, “Football is not life and death…it’s more important than that.”
What we have seen with Liam Manning is something that proves whatever Shankley may have meant at the time, it is a philosophy that can only go so far.
In the case of Manning, it is unfortunate phrasing given that he has had to deal with the loss of a child, a situation that even the most hardened fan must have some sympathy towards.
Beyond football
Like a lot of fans, I saw what happened to City under Manning’s management. The team felt lethargic. The strategy seemed to be one-dimensional, and any passion or energy in the side seemed to fizzle out in the second half of games.
This is what fans saw on the surface. But what is now clear is that what Manning was going through was still raw and painful. Contrary to Shankley’s quote, Manning was keen to stress that while football was important to him, it was not life and death.
It should also be stressed that, even allowing for these tragic circumstances, Gerard Houllier once remarked that, “Looking after twenty very rich people is bad for your health.”
From this perspective, it can be easy to see why management can be challenging. In recent times, the window to get results has shrunk considerably, with Nottingham Forest now on their fourth manager this season, and Spurs are now looking for their third.
Mental health
This is where I think both Huddersfield and Norwich City deserve praise in different ways. Huddersfield have done the right thing by granting Manning compassionate leave, allowing him and his family to regroup.
It can be easy to be cynical, suggesting that he shouldn’t have taken on management roles during a difficult time. But that is something anyone can say only with hindsight – some people benefit from having a project to focus on in their grief, and others don’t.
This is why I am proud of Norwich City’s commitment to mental health issues.
I saw Emi Marcondes talk about the struggles he went through, and not diminishing those of others who had an “easier time”. A great phrase I have seen to illustrate this is, “It’s not the Olympics of suffering.”
Best of all was the club video that highlighted why people who seem upbeat on the surface can be masking real pain.
While this is true of Liam Manning, this has to be extended throughout society – there is no shame in asking for help, and I hope (as with Manning) that those who are struggling at the moment can come out better in the long term.
