OLLIE SHOWED ME EVERY EMOTION!
WHO inspires the inspirations in the ever-changing world of football? Which traits stand the test of time?
In the latest in our series, we pick the brains of Guiseley’s joint-manager and interim boss of Aston Villa Women, Marcus Bignot.
Having made his name at the sharp end of Non-League with Telford United and Kidderminster Harriers in the 90s, Bignot was handed his chance in what is now the Championship with Crewe Alexandra and featured for a series of Football League clubs, most notably QPR where he enjoyed the best, but also arguably the most testing, years of his playing career.
During all of that, he launched his managerial career at the age of 24 with Birmingham City’s Women’s set-up and after leaving the professional ranks on the pitch he stepped into coaching at Solihull Moors under close friend Micky Moore.
Bignot later became manager and guided Moors into the National League for the first time in 2016 before being snapped up by Grimsby Town.
Having left the Mariners after five months, he returned to Non-League with Guiseley and dovetails that post with coaching England’s under-19 men and his recently acquired job at Aston Villa.
WHO WAS YOUR GREATEST GAFFER AND WHY?
I would have to say Ian Holloway – he defined my career by signing me three times.
His people skills are second to none and he is just an unbelievable human being. It wasn’t just about football with him, it was about the person.
He has always had really genuine human qualities. Football can be very ruthless but he showed the other side of it.
He cares about his players, massively, not only in terms of making them better on the pitch but on a personal level as well.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP MEMORY OF WORKING WITH IAN?
Whether times were good or bad he was that one go-to man to lift the spirits.
We had some times together. We celebrated promotions with QPR, we suffered relegation there too, we went through administration as well so we probably experienced pretty much every major up or down you can get in football.
Through all those highs and lows he was always at the front, our leader on and off the pitch.
In all of that he never came away from the person he is and demonstrated his people skills through all those periods so it is not just one standout memory for me, more the way you could always rely on the way he was.
HOW HAS HE INFLUENCED YOUR STYLE OF MANAGEMENT?
We have very similar traits, we are both emotional people.
Football is full of egos and a lot of perceptions but Ian is authentic and he carried who he is and his values into his work. I am no different. His work ethic was second to none as well and I have taken that forward into what I have done.
I know I have said a lot about him as a person but I can’t emphasise that enough. Not everyone can carry those values into football, it is very difficult, and that is something I have taken into what I do along with his absolute desire and a winning mentality.
DO YOU THINK IAN WILL RETURN TO MANAGEMENT?
If the right opportunity came along I am sure he would. We’re very alike in the way football is a drug we cannot live without. I have no doubt he would take the right job and let’s be honest, football needs people like Ian Holloway.
He is a massive character who has achieved so much and experienced a lot at all levels. Football without Ian Holloway is a lesser place.
IAN IS KNOWN AS A JOVIAL CHARACTER BUT DOES HE HAVE A SERIOUS SIDE?
He is absolutely driven and can change people’s mindsets to get them going.
People see his humour and but he is a student of the game and ultimately, underneath that fun side that everyone loves, he is a winner.
In his playing career he went above and beyond, it was very personal to him and I think he has shown that in management as well.
He will always overachieve just because of the person he is, those characteristics bring out the best in him and others.
If he didn’t go back into the game he could look back with immense pride but knowing Ollie he will keep wanting to do more.
I don’t think he will ever stop because he knows there is no ceiling to how far you can go or how good you can be.
ANY OTHER INFLUENCES?
Someone who has been a permanent anchor throughout my career is Micky Moore.
He is director of football at Cheltenham now, he was my best friend through school and he has been there for every step of my journey.
I have been fortunate enough to make a living out of football for three decades since I left school and he has been my go-to person for any advice or support.