LIFE WAS ROSY ALONGSIDE GAV
WHO inspires the inspirations in the ever-changing world of football? Which traits stand the test of time?
In the latest of our series we pick the brains of Carshalton Athletic boss Peter Adeniyi.
Adeniyi had a knack of winning Isthmian League promotions with the likes of Bromley, Merstham and Dulwich Hamlet and didn’t lose his Midas touch when adding management to his playing duties.
His Robins won Division One South in 2018 and finished runners up in their first campaign back at Step 3 only to lose out in the play-offs, sustaining another push last term before the season got scrubbed.
Adeniyi reveals that part of his secret is a personal touch, something he benefited from during his glory days.
SO, WHO WAS YOUR GREATEST GAFFER AND WHY?
I am split between two; Mark Goldberg, who was my manager at Bromley, and Gavin Rose, who I played for at Beckenham Town and Dulwich Hamlet.
Mark’s man-management skills were absolutely brilliant, he knew how to get the best out of me.
We had success in the playoffs but, generally, I just got on with him so well. He was always courteous and one of the biggest things I learned from him was the importance of showing players that you care.
It was very similar with Gavin but different in the sense that he is like family to me, like a brother.
Working with him was a bit more challenging but, again, I learned so much from him. His tactical knowledge and coaching skills are second to none. I always tell people he practically taught me how to play football.
DID THAT FAMILIARITY WITH GAVIN LEAD TO YOU PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES?
To be honest, it was just the opposite. Because we were so close I never wanted to blur the lines, I was always respectful of his position so at football it wasn’t a case of us being friends, in our minds it was a player-manager relationship.
Neither of us wanted to take anything for granted so it was an interesting challenge to make sure we didn’t cross the line.
I think it enhanced me as a player and made me look at things slightly differently. I have always been quite outspoken but at times it made me think about whether I needed to speak up.
We were working with a lot of younger players at the time and as one of the more senior players I was conscious of conducting myself in the right way.
If I had spoken out of turn people might have thought it was because of my relationship with Gavin and that wouldn’t have been right.
Understanding Gavin made it easier. When he was upset or looking for more from us I got what he meant and that helped me to respond accordingly.
He might have had a go at me but I knew he was using me to get to the team. It was not personal.
WHAT ARE YOUR BEST MEMORIES OF PLAYING FOR MARK AND GAVIN?
I don’t think I could look past the play-off final at Bromley.
I scored the winning penalty to take us up but while that was great, it was about the bigger picture. I always felt I gave a bit extra because of the way Mark treated me.
Being a manager now I know how much achieving promotion would have meant to him and to give him something back was brilliant, it was great for the whole club.
I remember embracing him after the game, he was like a father figure to me and I gave him a big old hug and said: ‘We did it!’
With Gavin the memories come from all sorts of times but winning the league stands out.
Doing it the way we did on the last day of the season was fantastic and getting promotion alongside someone you are so close to means that little bit more, to be a part of something wonderful for them as much as yourself.
There was a huge release of emotion with both promotions, a big sigh of relief that it was mission accomplished.
HOW HAVE THEY INFLUENCED YOUR STYLE OF MANAGEMENT?
Both have influenced the way I manage people.
They were always honest with me, whether you were doing well or not so well they would have their different ways of letting you know.
Gavin is as honest as anyone you will meet, he doesn’t try to sugar coat anything and, personally, I appreciate that. You always know where you stand.
I have tried to take that into management. Even if people don’t like what they hear, they will always respect you if you give them that honesty.
ANY OTHER INFLUENCES?
Another manager I have to mention is Ian Baird.
I was with him for three-and-a-half years at Eastleigh and at the time I didn’t completely understand him. Our relationship might have seemed strained but looking back, he has massively influenced the way I manage. Being on the other side, I now appreciate a lot more what he was doing and his approach.
I prefer to look at the people I have worked under but I do admire Pep Guardiola for his style of play and the way Jurgen Klopp galvanises the crowd. They would be who I look to at the top level.
YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT PERSONAL CONNECTIONS – HOW IMPORTANT HAS THAT BEEN TO YOUR MANAGEMENT?
People are very emotive, we just show it in different ways.
For me, you should try to understand everyone, each member of your team is a different person and it is about learning what makes them tick, what is important to them.
We all have different things we are pushing for. Some of our younger players want to get into the Football League and Carshalton is a stepping stone for them, I understand that. Other players just want to be at a club where they are valued and appreciated.
Each person goes through different things at various stages of their lives. I have players who become fathers for the first time, you have to understand what they are going through and I try to think about my own experiences as best I can.
If you can understand people and where they are coming from, it is a lot easier to manage them week to week and get the best out of them.
I have to adhere to their needs as much as they need to adhere to mine, we are all in the same boat.