Simon McMenemy has managed two national football teams and won a league title but you have probably never heard of him. When he moved from his role as assistant manager at Worthing FC to take over in the Philippines (no you did not read that incorrectly) he was the youngest national head coach in the world.

Then when Simon was handed the reigns at the Indonesian side, he had the second most important job in a country of 270m people. Only the president has a higher status in the most populous nation where football in the No1 sport.

The game in SE Asia is a different beast to that of Europe. There is huge passion and devotion, but sometimes it comes with disorganisation, violence and corruption. 

Working in Indonesian football is one of the highlights of my career. I would love to see the national team live up to its immense potential.

Simon has seen the good and bad. He has strong views and tells incredible tales of his experiences in the biggest ‘football country in the world.

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TOPICS

How he went from being assistant manager of Worthing to head coach of the Philippines

Having Ronaldinho on his CV

The decisions you have to make if you want to be a coach but have not had a high-profile playing career

How Simon has educated himself after taking a fast-track into the practical side of coaching

Coaching a team when you do not speak their language

The difference between coaching in SE Asia and Europe

The smaller size of footballers in SE Asia and the effect on coaching and playing style

How he won the Indonesian League with Bhayangkara

Putting the league title victory with a small club into context

The infrastructure behind Indonesian teams - how teams are funded and supported

How Simon was approached to be the national team manager for Indonesia

The crazy adulation that surrounds the Indonesian national team and its manager

Why Simon knew the World Cup draw would he cost him his job

The problem of short-termism and fan pressure

Specific communications issues in the Philippines and Indonesia

The crowd trouble that flared up late in the crucial game against Malaysia

The insecurity of football in Indonesia and its effect on family life

Is success in SE Asia transferable? Will it help get jobs in other countries.

Why is Indonesia not able to transfer its talent to Europe - early football education, passports etc

The Beckham of Indonesia who is currently playing in the reserves at Lech Posnan in Poland

Two longer-term improvements the Indonesian FA could implement now

The battle between a strong league and strong national team

The strong teams in SE Asia right now

What would a World Cup in SE Asia do for the sport in that area - “It would be sold-out the minute it was announced”

The corruption in Indonesian football

Stories about the passion of Indonesian fans

LINKS

Simon McMenemy Twitter | LinkedIN