The bottom line is that it is just not as enjoyable as it used to be
be. I felt that way even before Covid came along.”
Most managers would agree with Hartley’s honest assessment. It is a brutal and unforgiving business.
He said: “I’m 10 years in this business in May. It’s where I started as a 34-year-old when Alloa gave me an opportunity.
“In that time I’ve had four promotions and lost my job twice.
“When you do have a wee bit of success you probably only enjoy it for 20 minutes in your office after the game. You tend to sit back, take a deep breath and let out a sigh of relief.
“If you lose a game it can stay with you for days. Defeats and disappointments stay with you longer and can be hard to shake off.
“There is also hardly time to build anything now. Talk of getting three years or so to build something is just nonsense as almost every football supporter wants instant success for their club.
“If the manager is not delivering what they want then you are quick to hear about it. That’s where social media comes in.
“That may well be the single biggest difference from when I started out in 2011 to where are now in 2021.
“Social media has really grown and can have a really negative impact on managers.
“I know that at boardroom level at a number of clubs they will make decisions, such as on managerial appointments, based on reaction and comments on candidates on websites and forums.
“Managers just need to accept this, but it can be unpleasant.
“At times, you do need to find an escape. I usually go for a drive and get a couple of hours to have my ‘thinking time’ and make calls to people I trust and respect.
“That ‘alone time’ in the car allows time for reflection. It’s very important.
“But we know what we are signing up for and we get on with it. It can be good and the m o s t - e n j oy a b l e time is being on the training pitch with the players.
“That’s when you focus fully on trying to improve your footballers and get things right for the next game.”