Lawrie McMenemy Centre for Football Research
News
University's new £3.8 million football centre opens
22 May 2012
Southampton Football Club legend Matt Le Tissier officially opened the £3.8 million Test Park football centre alongside the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Van Gore on Sunday 20 May. The official opening was followed by a special charity match between Team Solent and the Ex Saints.
Test Park boasts a full size “3G” multi-purpose all-weather sports pitch, an FA Step 5 football arena, two adult size grass training pitches and a changing room complex with teaching space. The new facility will host the home matches and training of the University’s Team Solent men’s and women’s football squads, as well as all of the Football Studies practical sessions.
LMCFR Director, Dr. Richard Elliott commented: "Solent University is committed to sport, and these state-of-the-art facilities will further enhance the University's position in the study of football and sport more broadly. Even though it has only officially opened today, our football students have been using the facility for most of the academic year - their feedback on the quality of Test Park has been superb."
Football Studies with Business student secures Millwall FC internship
21 May 2012
Football Studies with Business 3rd year student Sandeep Chohan has secured a full-time marketing internship at Millwall Football Club. Sandeep, who is about to finish her three years of study will work within the club's commercial operation. Not wanting to waste any time, Sandeep will start her new role before the end of the academic year, giving her plenty of time to acclimatise before the start of the new season. Speaking about the appointment, LMCFR Centre Director and Course Leader for Solent University's Football Studies with Business degree, Dr. Richard Elliott commented: "Sandeep has been committed to her degree course and securing employment in the professional game from the moment she joined us. I'm absolutely delighted that she will walk straight into a professional club, and I hope that she has a long and successful career in the game."
Reading FC appoint Football Studies with Business student
17 May 2012
Following two successful years as 1st team and reserve intern analyst at Reading FC, Football Studies with Business soon-to-be graduate Jeremy Fox has secured a further year-long internship within the club's Academy. Having contributed to Reading's promotion success by providing opposition analysis for the 1st team, Jeremy has impressed enough to secure this highly sought after role. Jeremy will be the latest student to walk straight into employment with a professional club following his studies. LMCFR Director Dr. Richard Elliott commented: "I'm delighted that Jeremy has secured this post. His commitment both to his studies and Reading Football Club have been exemplary. This is no less than he deserves and I hope it will provide the necessary springboard to a successful career in the professional game."
Reading FC expand internship programme
17 May 2012
Following their promotion to the Premier League, Reading FC have expanded their relationship with the LMCFR and Solent University for the third successive year. The club will offer up to 10 internships for the 2012/13 season which will provide opportunities for students to work in the area of performance analysis. Using cutting edge equipment and software, the students will be exposed to a full range of experiences. Discussing the expansion of the internship programme LMCFR Director Dr. Richard Elliott commented: "It is fantastic news that we are able to once again expand the programme at Reading Football Club. Having worked closely with the club for the past two years, we have clearly demonstrated the calibre of the students that we are able to provide. I wish next season's group every success at the club."
LMA publish Review of Technical Areas conducted by LMCFR
11 May 2012
Following continued positive consultation with the PGMOL and the game's stakeholders, the LMA has published a report in specific relation to Technical Areas at Premier League and Football League stadia, for the overall improvement of the Technical Area and its management. The LMA commissioned the Lawrie McMenemy Centre for Football Research to conduct this review.
To better understand the technical area, the review includes analyses of the rules and regulations as they relate to technical areas, the physical dimensions of technical areas at Premier League and Football League stadia, and Football Association disciplinary data. It also encompasses the views of managers from the Premier League and the Football Leagues, and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
Richard Bevan, chief executive of the LMA, commented: “The LMA initiated the study as it places great importance on technical issues within the game. The LMA will now present the findings to football’s governing bodies including FIFA and UEFA as an integral part of the LMA’s programme of support for professional referees and improving standards in the professional game in England and Wales.
“The LMA's members have a wealth of experience 'at the coal-face' of football and their input into the rules and regulations that govern the game is made purely for the benefit of continuing to make football an attractive sport to play, to watch and to work in. On behalf of the LMA, I would to thank all those who have assisted in the preparation of the report, particularly Dr. Richard Elliott, Director of the Lawrie McMenemy Centre for Football Research, all our members who participated in the data collection and to the representatives of The Football Association and the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd, whose input was invaluable.”
Download a full copy of the report here|
Southampton FC success means Premier League promotion double
30 April 2012
Following hot on the heels of Football Studies and Business student Jeremy Fox's contribution to Reading FC's Premier League promotion, comes a second Premier League success. Sport science staff, based at Solent University's Centre of Health, Exercise and Sports Science have provided fitness assessments for Southampton Football Club 1st team throughout the 2011/12 season, working alongside the head of strength and conditioning, Nick Harvey. The programme of testing allowed close monitoring of the players in order that they be able to train in a more effective manner. LMCFR board member and Head of Sport Science Dr Stewart Bruce-Low commented: "We are absolutely delighted that the hard work of all the backroom staff and players paid off this season to ensure automatic promotion. The team at the Centre for Health , Exercise and Sport Science have worked hard with Nick Harvey to help him deliver the best training support to the players. As the relationship grows between the University and Southampton Football club, we hope to develop and improve the work we do further this coming season, which we hope will help in some small way ensure Saints remain in the Premiership."
Student contributes to Reading's Premier League promotion
24 April 2012
Football Studies with Business final year student Jeremy Fox has helped contribute to Reading FC's promotion to the Premier League. In the second year of an internship with the club, Jeremy has worked with the 1st team specifically performing opposition analysis and providing data for coaches and players. When asked how his degree had prepared him for his role at Reading, Jeremy commented: "Three years ago when I joined Solent University I could never have imagined that I would have played a part in a team achieving promotion to the Premier League. If it wasn't for Solent University I would never have had this opportunity. The course provides you with the background knowledge and confidence needed to enter a role in a professional football club, making it easier to settle in and impress."
Football Studies graduate working at club and international level
16 April 2012
Football Studies graduate and performance analyst Dan Simpson has been working part-time with the Northern Ireland national team helping them to prepare for their upcoming game against Holland in June. Daniel's work at the international level is coupled with activities at club level for Portsmouth FC, where he is coming to the end of his second full season. Discussing his roles and the Football Studies degree, Dan commented: "I think more than anything the course made me aware of the obstacles you face when trying to get into football and the amount of hard work you have to put in to get into the position that thousands of people want to be in. It provided me with a stronger mentality and level of professionalism for when I moved into my role at Portsmouth."
Graduate developing football education with Southampton Football Club
29 March 2012
Football Studies graduate Mark Gamble is helping Southampton Football Club to develop a new generation of futsal players who are talented in the classroom also. As one of the club's education officers Mark is responsible for overseeing the futsal and education scholarship, a scheme which provides scholars with the opportunity to study for a BTEC Level 3 qualification within a professional football environment. In addition to running the programme, Mark is currently studying to become a fully qualified teacher. Discussing his role, Mark commented: "My degree at Solent without doubt helped me to get this job. I gained a better knowledge of what was needed to work within a professional football club and gained a wider understanding of what I wanted to do after I graduated. Within the job I use skills and qualities everyday that I gained from Solent university. The football studies degree covers such a wide variety of topics that it prepares you exceptionally well for a career in the world of football."
Solent tests South's football teams
23 February 2012
Solent University's Sports Science department has become a regular fixture for some of the region's professional football clubs with both Southampton and Bournemouth working with the University's sports scientists to analyse, assess and act on player fitness and performance. Using the University's state-of-the-art sports science labs players have been put through a range of tests under the watchful eye of Laboratory Director and LMCFR Member, Dr. Stewart Bruce-Low, who commented: "more and more managers and coaches are seeing the benefit of using sport science to enhance performance and to prevent injuries. Our students have been delighted to see their skills and the laboratory equipment being used to help analyse and assess high-calibre professional athletes".
Record applications for football degrees
20 February 2012
It has been a bumper year for applications for the Football Studies and Football Studies and Business degrees. As the UCAS application deadline passed, 385 applications had been received for entry on to the degrees for the 2012/13 academic year, marking another consecutive year of increases and demonstrating the strength of recruiting on to the courses. Centre Director and Football Studies and Business Course Leader Dr. Richard Elliott commented: "Selecting the appropriate University and course is an important decision. I'm delighted that so many applicants have chosen Solent University and one of our two excellent football degrees. I sincerely hope that every one of the students who achieves a place on the courses for next year will thoroughly enjoy their time with us, realise their full potential and go on to help shape the future of football in this country and beyond."
Football Studies trio re-unite in United States
20 February 2012
Football Studies and Football Studies with Business graduates Jason Peters, Kevin McVeagh and Paul Wise have re-united in the United States as they begin to develop their careers in football. Jason and Kevin, based in Rhode Island and Ohio, are now Regional Directors for Challenger Teamwear. Jason is also Director of Coaching for Hammer FC, where he runs elements of the club's youth programme. Meanwhile, Paul Wise has secured a role as Director of Coaching for the Newark Area Soccer Association in Newark, Ohio. Speaking about the graduates, LMCFR Centre Director Dr. Richard Elliott commented: "I'm absolutely delighted that Jason, Kevin and Paul are developing their careers in the United States. All three of them have had the vision to look beyond these shores to secure employment in the game - something which takes courage and determination. I wish them every success."
Centre member contributes to emotional Africa Cup of Nations win
15 February 2012
Centre member Dr. Oscar Mwaanga paid tribute to the three graduates of his Edusport Football Academy in Zambia this week who contributed to the country's victory in the African Cup of Nations. Speaking after the victory, Dr. Mwaanga commented: "I couldn't hold back my tears when the boys lifted the trophy. This victory was emotional and one with a deeper meaning for all Zambians. It seemed fate had determined the victory so that we could honor the team we lost in a plane crash off the coast of Gabon in 1993. Since 1993, we have struggled to rebuild football in the country and to an extent Zambia have always been perceived as underdogs." EduSport Football Academy has been a key player in reconstructing Zambian football since 1996 and contributed defenders Hichane Himonde and Mulenga Nyambe and midfielder Nathan Sinkala to the squad who beat the Ivory Coast to secure the title.
Norwegian post for graduate
3 February 2012
Football Studies with Business graduate Espen Primstad has been appointed as Club Secretary at Norwegian women's Premier League club Klepp Elite. The post will see Espen responsible for aspects of media management and club administration. A Norwegian native, the appointment allows Espen to solidify his position in Norwegian football and to develop his specific interest in the further professionalisation of women's football in the country. Course Leader for the Football with Business degree and LMCFR Director Dr. Richard Elliott was delighted with the appointment: "Espen was a stand-out student, dedicated from beginning to end, with a clear motivation to return to Norway to help develop women's football. This appointment will see him start down that road - I wish him every success."
'Le-God returns'
15 December 2011
Matthew Le Tissier returned to Solent University last week to cap off another hugely successful series of guest lectures which included talks from Centre President, Lawrie McMenemy, Chairman of Hampshire Cricket, Rod Bransgrove, Academy Director at Fulham FC, Huw Jennings and the BBC's Dave Callaghan, among others. The series brought to life many of the key issues facing professional sport and gave the assembled audiences an opportunity to quiz the speakers on their experiences. Organiser of the lecture series and LMCFR board member, John Cross commented: "I and the other LMCFR staff have been delighted to welcome these sporting icons to the University. I believe it demonstrates the high standing of the courses that speakers of such calibre will readily commit their time and enthusiasm to support the lecture series and the work of the University through their broader involvement." Further lectures are planned for the new year.
Graduation 2011
21 November 2011
Football Studies and Football Studies with Business students gathered at Southampton Civic Centre this week to graduate from their degree courses. Again, it has been another tremendously successful year for the two courses with a number of students graduating having already secured employment in the professional game. LMCFR Centre Director and Course Leader for the Football Studies with Business degree, Dr Richard Elliott commented: "graduation is always one of the highlights of the year and I'm thrilled that, again, a number of our graduates are receiving their degrees whilst already having secured employment in the professional game. Our students are testament to the quality of our programmes and it's been wonderful catching up with them and their families."
LMCFR to work with Southampton Football Club historians
10 November 2011
The LMCFR is helping Southampton Football Club's official historians to produce one of the most ambitious series of player profiles ever published. LMCFR Director, Dr Richard Elliott has provided a number of student's studying on one of the University's two football specific degree's, to help interview and profile former SFC players and to capture the data on their time with the club. Discussing the project, he commented: "This is a really ambitious project which should result in the production of one of the most definitive player records ever produced by a football club. I'm delighted that the students are getting the opportunity to be part of such an exciting project and look forward to reading the finished work".
Centre President gives lecture
25 October 2011
LMCFR Centre President Lawrie McMenemy MBE took time to speak to students last week as part of this year's guest lecture series. In a wide ranging lecture, Lawrie discussed various aspects of football management and the changing nature of the football industry. He also took time to discuss his role with Special Olympics Great Britain and employment in sport more broadly. The lecture prompted a number of interesting questions from the audience who thoroughly enjoyed listening to one of English sports most significant figures.
Graduate secures promotion at West Ham United
20 October 2011
Football Studies graduate Charlie Radmore has been promoted to under-18 and development squad performance analyst at West Ham United FC. Just two months after securing a highly competitive internship at the club, Charlie has now secured his first full-time position in the professional game. Charlie is relishing working with the team which currently sits at the top of Premier Academic League, and working more closely with senior players. Commenting on the promotion, LMCFR Centre Director Dr Richard Elliott said: "I'm delighted for Charlie and I'm really not surprised that he has been promoted so quickly. He's a very hard worker, dedicated and professional. I sincerely hope that this is the first of many promotions to come in his career and wish him continued success".
Former Centre member takes up post in Canada
20 September 2011
Former LMCFR Centre member, Gavin Weedon, has taken up post as a PhD researcher at the University of British Columbia in Canada. Weedon, who graduated from Solent University's Football Studies programme in 2008, subsequently studied for a Premier League funded Master's degree at Loughborough University. Having worked on a number of projects with Centre Director, Dr Richard Elliott, Gavin returned to Solent University as a Lecturer for two years before securing a highly prestigious PhD scholarship in the summer. Speaking about Gavin's move, Centre Director Dr Richard Elliott remarked: "I'm sad to see Gavin leave Solent University and the LMCFR. However, I am thrilled that he has been awarded such a prestigious scholarship. Gavin has worked enormously hard as a student, researcher and lecturer and I have no doubt that he will go on to do great things in the future."
Graduate secures prestigious MBA place
10 September 2011
Football Studies graduate, Konrad Bania, has secured a place on Liverpool University's prestigious MBA (Football Industries) degree. Bania, a Polish native who has worked for professional clubs in his homeland and still works as a scout, was delighted to achieve his place. LMCFR Centre Director, Dr Richard Elliott was also thrilled, commenting: "A number of our students go on to prestigious University's every year to study for postgraduate qualifications, however, Konrad is our first graduate to secure a place on the hugely competitive Liverpool football MBA. I am sure that he will be an asset to the course, and I wish him every success with his future studies."
Graduate moves to Watford FC
2 September 2011
Football Studies graduate, Dominic Haynes, has been appointed as Head Coach of Watford FC's under-11's. Haynes, who had previously worked for AFC Bournemouth and briefly for Luton Town, was thrilled to make the move, commenting: "the step from small Centre of Excellence at AFC Bournemouth to one of the biggest and most successful Academies in the country is a challenging but exciting experience."
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