Buddies boss passes on his wisdom
Coaches’ training session with Ross
St Mirren manager Jack Ross turned teacher as he hosted a presentation for coaches of the St Mirren Youth Academy.
Youth coaches, including former pros Burton O’Brien and Martin Hardie, were joined by head of youth development Allan McManus, and Under 20s assistant manager Andy Webster on the evening at the Paisley 2021 Stadium.
The Buddies boss discussed a number of topics with the club coaches, such as preparing for a match, training and player recruitment.
And Ross admitted that he thoroughly enjoyed passing on some of his knowledge, and revealed he continues to take a keen interest in the work that McManus and the staff put in to helping the Academy continue to flourish.
Ross said: “Allan knows I have a consistent and strong interest in how the academy is doing.
“I like to be aware of what is happening and I like to be able to help when I can.
“There were two strands to it. One, how I work and prepare and the second part of it, about the culture we are trying to create within the club.
“The reaction was really positive and it just strengthens the connection between the whole club. The academy guys have a completely different job to me, but one, nonetheless, just as demanding. What they do should be rewarded and appreciated, and it certainly is with me.
“Allan’s role is head of the academy and I don’t stand on his toes in that respect, but I’m keen to see how the whole club progresses.
“I’m also interested in helping to aid and develop them as coaches.
“It was beneficial in a lot of ways. The feedback was really positive and it’s something we’ll do again.”
And Allan McManus believes that every single one of his coaches benefitted from the evening, as they look to be the best they can be.
He added: “I thought it was very important that the guys within the academy got to see the structure and the high standards that the manager has set and how that filters down through the rest of the club.
“I think it was important that that message came from Jack Ross because, as much as I emphasise the high expectations and the standards to all the staff within the academy, they are probably sick of hearing my voice.
“The manager has always said that anything he can do to assist the academy, he is more than happy to do it. Our relationship is probably very unique, in that I get to work very closely with him on a daily basis.
“For the young players, it gives them that link because he is very interested and the first thing he asks me on a Monday morning is about how the young players are getting on.
“He’s very hands on. It’s important when these players move up to the full-time environment, I can feedback to the manager on how they are fitting in and, when they go over into the first team, I can explain what to expect. It makes that transition a bit easier.”