By the time he left in 2010, he was academy director.

One academy director, when asked his views, recently delivered an entire paper about one word at the heart of the problem: fear.

The story, relayed by a wearied academy director, highlights that some youngsters need to think more, and take more responsibility for their careers.

Now 32, he remains the youngest manager in the top five divisions and still combines his first-team duties with his role as academy director.

The club's academy director felt he had the ability to play at the highest level, and prioritised adding a work ethic and competitiveness to his great technique.