Professional bugbears are a routine part of most jobs. The way in which other people view your industry of choice is, I'd guess, a familiar source of irritation. I'm a journalist. I'm basically grumpy for most of the working week.
Fortunately, I also have the genuine pleasure of speaking to sports psychologists on a regular basis. The conversations are, without exception, among the most thought provoking discussions I have.
If that sounds like a slightly trite observation, it's worth bearing in mind as we run over a couple of stories from the last week. The first involves reports that Leeds United have recruited a psychologist to work with their first-team.
If the coverage is accurate - and it's not entirely clear, in lieu of a club statement, that the appointment has been rubber-stamped - it's a move which should be celebrated. Although Leeds players, such as Jack Harrison, have spoken publicly about receiving psychological support, the club have not had an in-house expert for squad members to call on for at least four years.
Unfortunately, Jesse Marsch made what I imagine the Leeds manager regarded as a light-hearted, soon-to-be-forgotten remark about his wife being his psychologist (during the side's recent run of poor form). It was a throwaway comment at the end of a thoughtful monologue about the need to challenge players, whilst recognising their fragility. It was also pretty much the only soundbite picked up by the press (if you Google 'Leeds United psychologist', you'll see what I mean).
Returning to the subject of irritation with your industry of choice, this is the depressingly predictable result of the way media operates. Any online football clip containing a line that is remotely humourous (and you can make your own judgement about how funny Marsch's comment was) is judged as more likely to attract 'eyeballs' or 'engagement'. Basically, putting advertising jargon to one side, it's a case of clips for clicks.
If I was reading the tweets with weary resignation, I suspect I was in good company. Sports psychologists have every right to be frustrated with the press coverage the profession receives. If half the effort devoted to tactical analysis was focused on the psychological side of football, the game would be much the richer for it.
Unfortunately, if that wasn't enough, the spectre of psychologists' pay reared its head again. I've written about the subject before, but what made this placement - a stint as Team GB Psychology Lead for the 2024 Olympics - notable was the stature of the role.
There are some intricacies to be aware of - according to the job description, the position, if taken by a professional employed by an Home Country Sports Institute, would be funded - but the bottom line is that arguably one of the most prestigious roles in the industry could be filled by someone who isn't paid. The below quote - taken from the full advertisement - sums it up:
The position is not remunerated however in line with BOA policy, all costs relating to kit, travel to and from Paris, and accommodation while in-country, along with reasonable additional expenses will be covered
If that all sounds slightly depressing, I'd like to end on a more positive note by flagging David Wheeler's story. Wheeler, who plays for Wycombe and has enjoyed a career spanning every tier of English football below the Premier League, has just completed a psychology MSc driven in part by panic attacks he suffered as a young athlete. Its an inspiring journey and I'm thankful that he gave me the chance to help tell it.
Thanks for the link to David Wheeler’s article. Fascinating to read as always but again feel disappointed that such a low priority and apparent lack of finance is still present for the majority of professional Clubs. Thanks John