Managers' stress on the increase

Stress on club bosses is increasing and at least 14 have been diagnosed with minor heart problems, according to League Managers Association chief executive John Barnwell.

Barnwell was speaking after West Ham boss Glenn Roeder was last night admitted to hospital complaining of chest pains following his side’s 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough.

“It is extremely disturbing to say the least. Unfortunately it is not surprising,” he said.

“The incentives and constant intensity of the job has escalated - particularly at this time of year when they are under extreme pressure.

“The rewards in the game at the highest level are so great and the need to be successful has grown and the game has never been more exposed or analysed than it is today.”

Barnwell said the LMA had sought to tackle the stress-related problems by introducing a programme which monitored managers’ physical well-being and that had allowed them to identify those at most risk.

“We run, in conjunction with the Professional Footballers’ Association, a programme for managers especially to prevent issues such as this,” he said in an interview.

“At the moment we have about 60% of those managers going through a monthly monitoring programme. It is based on prevention rather than cure and they go through physical tests.

“We have identified 14 who have minor heart conditions at the moment. They are not life-threatening but they can be dealt with.

“Glenn was one of the 40% who felt they had a reasonably fit programme.

“The risks are there and this was what motivated us to get this programme going.”

Barnwell said despite the pressure involved, managers continued to stick it out not only for the financial reward but also for personal satisfaction and pride.

“I have never known one person enjoy that kind of intensity. The best part of football is playing and management is an extension of that.

“It is a competition and it is the desire to be in the competition and prove yourself better than the next man or team and you won’t find managers complaining about it.

“There are always a queue of people wanting to take your job.”

Peterborough manager Barry Fry, who has suffered three heart attacks during his football career, echoed Barnwell’s sentiments.

“It is a big problem with managers. The demands are greater and greater and it is going to occur more and more,” he explained.

“We are all mad, we all love the game, we know the risks. There is no hiding place. “