Latest Derby County news from DerbyshireLive brings you what the former Rams skipper has had to say about coaching
Conor Houirhane has revealed how he is ready to take his next step into coaching as he prepares for life after Derby County.
The former Aston Villa midfielder was one of six players released by the club at the end of the season after winning promotion back to the Championship. Hourihane played a key role on and off the pitch as he scored the winner in a 3-2 win over Burton Albion and although he didn’t start games in the final weeks, his leadership was vital.
But now the former Republic of Ireland international is preparing to make the transition into coaching and management. He is set to undergo an LMA course this summer and has completed his UEFA A and B badges. He has also had help from Derby as he told the Athletic : “The more I’ve become obsessed with coaching, I’ve transferred everything onto my laptop.
“I’ve got sessions, notes and presentations. For example, I have information on set plays and how I see my team with or without the ball, explaining how I will press in a particular formation.
“I use a software called Sportscode, where I get games off one of our (Derby) analysts. I will clip up patterns of play that I like so I don’t forget them. I’ve watched a lot of Arsenal’s set plays this year because they’ve been great. It’s just a constant clipping portfolio of all aspects of the game. I’ve built up a big bible.”
Hourihane has also been to see other managers and watched Unai Emery of Aston Villa in close quarters as well as Rob Edwards of Luton and Russell Martin of Southampton.
The former Republic of Ireland international had been linked with a move to Barnsley as player/coach although the Tykes’ search for a new manager remains ongoing after favourite Daniel Stendel remained in Germany with Hannover 96, which was confirmed today.
Hourihane added: “I’ve been to see Russell a couple of times and got to know him,” he says. “I’ve seen Rob Edwards and that’s been through my agent setting up meetings with coaches and also sporting directors. I ask them, ‘Why do you appoint certain managers? What characteristics do you want to see?’. I want to know how that process works. I’m picking people’s brains, being a sponge and moulding myself as a coach.”
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