In Video: Ex-Man Utd player John O'Shea discusses managerial ambitions, inspiration from Sir Alex Ferguson

From Player to Boss: John’s Journey into Coaching and Management

It’s been almost six years since John retired from professional football, but the passion for the game remains strong. In this exclusive interview, John opens up about his transition from playing to coaching and management, sharing valuable insights and lessons learned along the way.

A Passion for Coaching and Management

For John, the desire to enter coaching and management was not just a career change, but a passion he nurtured from an early age. "It was always something I had a passion for, being involved with a group of coaches, staff, and players, getting that bond together," he explains. "And also, the connections I have with players, all the players I’ve played with over my career who are involved in coaching and management – it’s a big factor."

Early Days at Reading

After leaving Sunderland, John made the move to Reading, where he worked under Paul Clement, a manager he greatly respects. "I thought it was a great place for me to learn, not just on the football pitch but also from Paul," he reveals. The experience was a turning point in his career, as he began to develop a deeper understanding of the game and the various ways to approach it.

Learning from Great Managers

John has been fortunate to play under some of the best managers in the game, including Sir Alex Ferguson, who made a lasting impact on his career. "He’s a massive influence, still keep in touch with him every now and then," John says. His father, who was also involved in local team management, was another significant influence, instilling in him a love for the game from a young age.

The Right Fit: Finding the Perfect Opportunity

John acknowledges that finding the right fit for his first big coaching job was crucial. "I was patient, I didn’t just jump at the first opportunity that came up," he emphasizes. His journey has taken him from assistant roles to working with the Irish national team, where he has grown as a coach and gained valuable experience.

The National Team and Future Ambitions

John’s brief stint as head coach of the Irish national team was an incredible honor and an opportunity he cherishes. "It gave me a lot of belief that it’s where I want to be," he says. As for his future ambitions, he hopes to one day become a head coach at a club, a role he believes requires patience, hard work, and dedication.

Lessons Learned along the Way

John’s experience at Sunderland, with its revolving door of managers, taught him valuable lessons about adaptability and learning from different styles. "Every manager has their own way of doing things, and it was brilliant for me to learn from those people," he says. With a wealth of insight into the game, John is confident that his patient approach will eventually pay off, allowing him to realize his coaching and management dreams.