Former Bournemouth manager Tony Pulis has urged young football managers to make their health and physical fitness a priority, warning that the pressures of the profession can take a serious toll on their physical and mental well-being.
Pulis, who began his managerial career at Bournemouth in 1992, said the demanding nature of football management often leaves coaches with little time to look after themselves, as they juggle training sessions, player recruitment, tactical decisions and the pressure to deliver results.
The Welshman reflected on his early years in management, admitting that he initially paid little attention to his diet, exercise and personal well-being while concentrating on his responsibilities at the club.
He explained that his routine frequently involved travelling long distances to scout players and relying on convenient meals, including fish and chips, pies and sandwiches, rather than maintaining a balanced diet.
According to Pulis, the pressure became more intense whenever his team struggled to win matches, as managers often bear the brunt of criticism from supporters and the media.
He noted that although the responsibilities of football managers have evolved over the years, the stress associated with the job remains a major concern.
An encounter that changed his approach
Pulis said his attitude towards personal fitness changed after a conversation with an Australian triathlete shortly before he left Bournemouth in 1994.
The athlete warned him that the demands of management were affecting his physical fitness and that the accompanying stress could have serious consequences for his life.
The conversation prompted Pulis to reconsider the sacrifices he was making for his career and develop a more sustainable lifestyle.
He subsequently adopted a routine of exercising early every morning before breakfast, allowing him to dedicate the remainder of the day to his managerial duties.
Pulis explained that even on days when he lacked energy for strenuous exercise, he made an effort to remain active through walking and stretching.
His commitment to fitness also inspired him to take on charitable sporting challenges, including running the London Marathon in 1999.
Over the years, he participated in several other endurance challenges, using them to maintain his physical condition while raising money for charitable causes.
Family time and mental well-being
Beyond exercise, Pulis identified spending time with his family as an important way of managing the emotional demands of football management.
He said watching his children play football and being present in their lives helped him switch off from the pressures of work.
The former manager also explained that he avoided reading press coverage about himself and his teams, whether positive or negative, as part of his strategy for protecting his peace of mind.
He added that having trusted members of staff with whom he could share concerns was equally important in navigating the challenges of the profession.
Modern football offers better support
Pulis acknowledged that football managers now have access to better health support than was available during the early stages of his career.
He cited the League Managers’ Association’s Fit To Manage programme, which provides health assessments for managers, alongside improvements in the attention clubs pay to the welfare of their coaching staff.
However, he stressed that such support does not remove the need for managers to take personal responsibility for their health.
Addressing younger coaches, Pulis urged them to remain committed to their physical and mental well-being, particularly during periods of intense pressure.
He warned that neglecting personal health while pursuing professional success could have lasting consequences.
His message serves as a reminder that success in football management should not come at the expense of a person’s health, family life or long-term well-being.
