Being the “manager’s guy” and the realities of losing your job in pro sport with Jordan Milsom

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Former Head of Performance at Aston Villa and Rangers FC, Jordan Milsom. Jordan comes on and gives one of the most candid interviews we have had on the podcast. As Fitness Coach at Liverpool and two Head of Performance roles in the Premier League and Scottish Premier League, Jordan has a wealth of experience that he brings to this episode.

In the first half of the episode we discuss his time at Liverpook at a Strength and Rehab Fitness Coach and he he developed the knoweldge required to rehab some of the most valuable assets in sport. We then went onto discuss his interactions with staff that were brought in by the manager and how he dealt with that as a club member of staff.

In the second half of the episode he describes the role reversal as he became the "manager's guy" as he stepped up to a Head of Performance role at Rangers FC. Was he prepared to make that jump? How did he deal with club staff now that he was a "manager's guy"? And did he deskill in certain areas given that he was managing a department versus being on the ground with player's 24/7.

In the final part of the podcast we talk about Jordan's time at Aston Villa and the experience of being losing his job. He describes what he could have done differently during his time at Aston Villa as well as what he and others can do to protect themselves should they get relieved of their duty by a club.

If you want an open and honest look at what its like being a Head of Performance at a Premier League club, this is for you. And its not all rosy!

Main talking points -

S&C coach > rehab coach

Gaps in traditional education when it comes to rehab for S&C coaches

Rehab coach > Head of Performance

What areas were you underprepared in

What skills have you deskilled in by making that transition?

Being a "manager's guy"

What was it like working with a "manager's guy" at LFC?

Then on the flipside, how did you cope with being the go-between between the manager and the performance and medical staff?

Your experiences of being sacked along with the manager