Testimonials

David Gill

"The programme has been developed by Simon Andrews in partnership with Manchester United and its staff for the past four years and has been delivered to Senior Players, Young Players and Parents for the last two years. Simon has consulted with the Club regularly regarding content, delivery aspects and specialists with regards to the Programme.

The Programme has been flexible to accommodate the Club’s training and match schedules throughout the season. I would endorse the benefits of educating Young Players on providing a solid foundation to their careers, as well as providing experienced Players the information to make informed decisions when outside of the Club environment, this in turn protects the Clubs’ assets and brand image. The feedback that I have received from participants in the programme has been positive. I would support the Premier League evaluating the programme centrally and determining whether it should be a central initiative, particularly in the area of Youth development."

David Gill
Chief Executive Manchester United Football Club

Richard Caborn

“As Ex-Sports Minister I am very pleased to see the advising of young players in this way and feel strongly that this should be embraced by all sports. There is no doubt that this will improve the short and long term decision making of young players and their parents. Football should be seen to be leading the way for other sports to also adopt this approach.”

Richard Caborn
World Cup ambassador to the Prime Minister, former Sports Minister

Graham Taylor

“This is a programme that can be adjusted to the requirements and needs of individual clubs if necessary. It is extremely helpful in emphasizing to players of all ages and experience how to be in control of your own life, by taking responsibility for it.

In my opinion the programme covers all the different kind of situations that a professional footballer has to handle, and I think it is somewhat beholden of clubs to be able to offer this kind of help and advice to what, in the main, are young men who are in a very public profession.”

Graham Taylor
Former England Manager and former LMA President

Mike Forde

“I would like to put on record my support for the Players Programme and its potential value to Football Clubs in their quest to develop Young Players and improve their education around the impact of non-sporting issues on Performance.

Here at Chelsea FC we believe in the holistic development of Professional Players and the programme outlined by Simon and his team fits well with our Performance Model.

Finally, I believe this programme has the potential to bring tremendous value to leading clubs throughout the Premier League and support its development as a league wide initiative”

Mike Forde
Performance Director Chelsea FC

Paul Hayward

“Handling the media is a vital part of a footballer's development and the players programme offers the best guide to building a constructive relationship with TV, radio, newspapers and the internet. Many agents only see pound signs when they think of their client’s public profile but the programme encourages the players to use the media expertise of their club and other specialists in the field. The media is a fact of life and needn’t be seen as the enemy. A player can use interviews to present a rounded portrait of who they really are, and correct false impressions. This is a major opportunity to help in the development of tomorrows stars and give them the protection they need.”

Paul Hayward
Chief sports writer for the Guardian/Observer

Barry Moorhouse

"We have held a number of Players Programme modules which the whole of our first team and management personnel have attended. Each meeting has been varied, topics all of which have been very interesting.
The speakers have been good and able to capture the attention of the players. The information is beneficial to all players including those who have been with Manchester United for a number of years. The players are looking forwarding to the next modules."

Barry Moorhouse
Player Liaison Manager, Manchester United