Dundee boss Steven Pressley: There were elements of my managerial style I didn’t like – so I changed.

On Friday, the Dark Blues announced their new head coach.

When Steven Pressley last stepped into a Scottish football dugout, the world looked very different. Rangers played in the Third Division, Donald Trump was a television personality, and Manchester City had only one Premier League title to their name. John Brown was Dundee’s manager when the Dark Blues were relegated in horrible fashion. Pressley’s ambition was burning hot; he was off to dominate English football after learning the managerial ropes at Falkirk. He readily acknowledges his ego was out of control, but failures followed, and that ego was reduced, forcing much introspection during his time away from the spotlight at Brentford.

Pressley played first-team football for one of the world’s most forward-thinking clubs, learning under highly renowned manager Thomas Frank. He has now taken over at Tottenham Hotspur. Furthermore, the new Dundee head coach was hard at work studying. Liverpool University offered a degree in strategic leadership. The goal was to become a better leader. That’s what he intends to offer to Dundee as he returns to a Scottish football dugout 12 years after leaving for the bright lights of the south.

‘I’ve changed a lot’

“One of the things that I most enjoyed about my degree was self-reflection and looking at how I was as a leader and how I can improve as a leader,” according to Pressley. “When I was a player, I was usually the captain. And then, almost immediately, I advanced to the position of manager. “And you practically have the ability to compel others to act simply by virtue of your title. “Then you go to a position, which I had for four years, where you don’t. You have to establish relationships. “You need to handle people in various ways. And it’s been an excellent education for me. So I believe I’ve changed a lot.

“I believe that as a person, I have evolved significantly. I’m much calmer, more in control, and have a much lower ego. “I believe part of the reason has been that as a young manager, you want to take on the world. “I still see that among many young managers. “Then there are challenges, setbacks, failures, and so on. “Eventually, it shapes, moulds, and transforms you. “And I’ve had a lot of that: a lot of experience, a lot of disappointments, and a lot of introspection. And I believe in a lot of growth. “I think I’m a different character, but that’s normal throughout your life.”

‘Elements of my style I didn’t like’

He went on to say, “In self-reflection, I noticed several flaws in my own managerial approach. “But, on the other hand, there were some aspects of my management that I liked, which I believe benefitted me and would continue to do so. “So I believe it’s simply a natural process. “I believe that what is most important is the ability to reflect, improve, and evolve. “And that is what I see.” I view it as an adventure. And I believe that the last four or five years have had a significant impact on me in a variety of ways. “I am more calmer and more understanding, particularly of those around you.

“You can have a leadership style, which is very much a runaway style where you’re going to follow.

“It’s about making people feel like they’re a part of the journey, giving them more autonomy, and increasing their trust. “I believe that’s an extremely essential component. “It’s about bringing those people along on the trip and working with them to improve things. “I was extremely driven, and I was going to get there regardless. “And probably less understanding of those around me.”

Moving to Dundee

Pressley also hopes to relocate to Dundee after selling his home in Leamington Spa, West Midlands. “My wife will live between the kids and up here but I’ll live here permanently,” according to Pressley. “The trouble I’ve encountered is that my children now regard England as home. “That is the challenge.” I’ve always wanted to move back to Edinburgh. That was always the plan. “However, as time passed, it became increasingly difficult. “So I’m really excited to be back in Scotland.”

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