BUNDESLIGA -BOUND?
Mark Fotheringham on his huge challenge
MARK FOTHERINGHAM has never been a yes man.
That’s a major part of why he has rattled through 13 clubs across Europe in a 17-year playing career.
It’s also, he believes, the reason he never fulfilled his greatest ambition – winning Scotland caps.
The midfielder’s commitment to doing things “the right way”, and his unshakable faith in his own ability, were instilled in him as a youngster at Celtic by the great Tommy Burns.
Ultimately, they ended up working against him.
These days, that’s something the 32-year-old can admit. But they are also the traits he believes will help him scale the heights in a brand-new field.
At a time when Scottish football’s worth is being measured on a daily basis – and all too often found wanting – Fotheringham has just become something of a rarity – a Scottish coaching export.
And after signing a three-year deal as assistant coach with German side, Karlsruher SC, the Dundonian is desperate to prove his worth.
Speaking from the team’s pre-season training camp in Austria, he said: “This is a serious platform for me, an amazing opportunity.
“The manager here, Tomas Oral, is a guy I know from my time at Fulham, where he was assistant to Felix Magath.
“He tells me he saw something in me from the start at that club.
“I was first in the door at the training ground every morning and the last out in the afternoon, and, as an experienced player, I took my responsibilities very seriously.
“I wanted to set an example for the younger guys – and I think I did that.
“When I got the call about coming to Germany this summer, it was a wee bit out of the blue. I’m doing my B Licence at the moment, and when I spoke to the guys at the SFA, they told me it was a no-brainer.
“Tomas and the sporting director at Karlsruher, Jens Todt, have shown real faith in me. But I believe in my ability, and I believe I can repay them.
“I see coaching as a really good area for me, with my knowledge of the game, my attitude towards hard work, and my experience.”
In Ge r m a n y, Fo th e r i n g h a m is attempting to succeed in a country where the bar is set incredibly high.
For Karlsruher, the goal is clear – promotion to the Bundesliga after an eight- year absence. It’s a big ask, but confidence has never been something “Fozzy” has lacked.
Even now, when asked for an honest appraisal of his playing efforts, what he offers is utterly self-assured.
“There’s no doubt in my mind, I could – and should – have had Scotland caps,” says Fotheringham, who lists Norwich City, SC Freiburg and Anorthosis Famagusta amongst his former clubs.
“I didn’t get them because I wasn’t a guy who went along with things if I didn’t think they were right.
“I wasn’t a yes man. But when I’ve played for managers I’ve felt were doing things the right way, I was very loyal.
“When I felt things were wrong at a club, I found it difficult to just turn a blind eye and get on with it.
“But I think that sort of mindset will be an asset to me as a coach.”
Fotheringham also believes his nationality will lend him an advantage when it comes to dealing with Karlsruher’s multi-national squad.
“There’s something in Scots that has produced so many top coaches,” he says.
“The manager here has certainly seen that I have something about me, an edge.
“The players don’t know whether I’m a guy they want to be getting on the wrong
side of, and that’s certainly something Scottish coaches are known for.
“We’re brought up on the housing schemes and our dads, and the people around us, made sure we knew what time it was. We don’t take any nonsense.”
Fotheringham clearly can’t wait to delve into this new chapter in his career – and also his life.
“I’m in the process of moving the family over as we speak,” he explains. “I’m totally committed to this next step in my career.
“It’s early days, but it’s looking good so far and the players’ attitude is different class.
“The other day we had a session due to start at 10am and all the players were on the pitch half-an-hour early, doing stretches.
“That sort of thing is great to see. It’s the kind of approach I’ve taken myself for years. So I feel at home.”
After almost 20 years of wandering, who could possibly grudge him that?