Ian Crook relishing new role at Football NSW

For well over 30 years now, English born and bred coach Ian Crook has lived and breathed football his entire life.
As a player, Ian played well over 450 matches in one of the most competitive leagues across the world namely the English Premier League, as well as having played in stints in Japan and also our very own now defunct National Soccer League with the Northern Spirit.
Moving on from his playing career, the Romford born midfielder switched his attentions to becoming a manager which saw him coach clubs in Japan and Australia as well as the national team of American Samoa before recently holding the number one spot as head coach for Hyundai A-League side Sydney FC.
“Football has been my life.
“I am constantly watching or talking football.
“I have experienced it as both a player and as a coach and I see myself lucky that I have been able to forge a career in a job that I really love.”
Crook’s vast experience at both national and international level has certainly put him in good stead at Australia’s leading state federation, namely Football NSW where he currently sits as the organisation’s Coaching Coordinator.
“I am very happy with how things are moving here at Football NSW.
“I am currently helping the U12 to U15 coaches and Technical Directors at each of the 24 Premier 1 and 2 clubs.
“This involves me visiting the clubs for training sessions and match days where I assess the coaches in their quest to improve both themselves and their players in line with FFA’s National Curriculum.”
The Englishman has thus far enjoyed his time coaching and educating our future coaches but stated that it didn’t take him long to settle into Football NSW’s progressive environment.
“Everyone at Football NSW has made me feel very welcome and I couldn’t have asked for a better environment.
“The clubs have been great also, very open minded and helpful with regards to the assessment process which has made the transition easier.”
Asked what the difference was between coaching at high levels here in Australia to educating coaches and up and coming youngsters, Crook stated that there was a decent gap between the two.
“Enjoyment is the first thing that comes to mind.
“Youngsters want to learn and as a coach watching someone develop as a player and seeing their improvements is very satisfying.
“Not one coach can say that they’ve made a player but when you see them progress on with their career, it’s great to be able to say you played a role in their development as a footballer.
“Also, the pressure that is now put on the coaches to have immediate success at senior level is far different from being able to build and create a culture within the club by developing their own players.”
Touching upon his time in the Hyundai A-League, the question was asked whether he missed coaching at the highest level after his recent spell with Sydney FC.
“I’d be lying if I said I did not miss coaching on a full time basis as this is what I love to do but I am very happy where I am right now and thoroughly enjoying my new role.
“Coaching at the highest level is not just about taking sessions on the pitch and working with the players, it involves many other things and it’s the other things I don’t miss.”
With a number of key projects currently in the works at Football NSW, Crook stated that there were a number of key developments arising from his role as coaching coordinator.
“Seeing the development of our local clubs in NSW and the standards they are starting to set is fantastic which will of course be an ongoing challenge for everyone to continue in taking our game forward.
“Also seeing the coaches that are starting to come through the new system is encouraging and this will benefit the next generation of players coming through the system.”
-By Mark Stavroulakis