IT’S BEEN… TWO WEEKS

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Scott Parker talks about his first fortnight with the Clarets

2024-07-20T12:30:00.000Z

IT’S BEEN… TWO WEEKS

Scott Parker talks about his first fortnight with the Clarets

2024-07-20T12:30:00.000Z

Scott Parker talks about his first fortnight with the Clarets

Two weeks ago today, Scott Parker started his role as Head Coach of Burnley Football Club and he moved into his new working residence at the club’s Gawthorpe training ground.

His days here start early and finish late. The atmosphere is relaxed and happy but everyone knows they’re here to work… and work hard.

We managed to find a rare space in his diary and caught up with him but before he went out onto the immaculate training pitches to work with the players….

BFC : “Two weeks in the job now and it feels like they’ve flown… how has it been for you?”

Scott Parker : “It's been really enjoyable to be quite honest with you! A different experience, new coming into the building and the training ground’s been very good in this sense, very efficient.

“When you come into a football club it’s about getting to know people. The staff have been brilliant, the players have as well to be fair, they’re all eyes and ears to different ideas and it’s trying to get those ideas across to them as quick as we can really.

“I think the general consensus I've got around the whole place is there are very good people here. People who only want one thing and that is success and everyone is pushing in that direction to try and make us get that this year.”

BFC : “You had a bit time away from football. So - you being back on the pitch, you coaching again, how's that felt?”

SP : “I've enjoyed it. Like you said, I've had a little time away, but like always, as soon as you start smelling the grass again and you're amongst the team, amongst players, it's a smooth transition really.

“So yeah, I've really enjoyed it along with the coaches as well. Just being there with the players and helping them and trying to give some ideas of what we need to be this year. It's been a really important time.”

BFC : “Two weeks isn't an awful long time, is it? Some people go on holiday for two weeks and probably think they could do with a few more days! So, what can you do in 14 days?”

SP : “Well, I think ultimately you need to set certain stalls out in terms of what we need to be and try and ingrain that into the team.

“This is a talented squad for sure, and it's a team that have been around for a little while now. A young squad and a dynamic team, but it's a new voice they're hearing, and some new ideas they're hearing as well, and that takes time.

“Two weeks isn't long but, yeah, we're on a good track. We've had a few games now, in terms of behind closed doors games, and we're progressing in the right way.”

BFC : “It does feel bubbly around here! New faces have come in as well, both coaching and in playing. How has it all gelled together so far?

SP : “Well, it’s gelled together really well! I've been in this position as a coach, in terms of teams who have been relegated and maybe the psychological element it brings to that. I haven’t really seen much of that here. I've seen a really good atmosphere around the place and a real determination of the job in hand this year.

“I've tried to put my stamp on that as well in terms of creating an environment and a culture here, which is one wanting to get better and improve every day and the whole football club has embraced that. As a coach, that's what you need.

“You can come with your ideas. You can come with all the tactical knowledge. But ultimately what you need, first and foremost, is a willingness to learn and an environment to want to come into and enjoy.”

BFC : And, in terms of environments, how does it feel now you’re back up north again? You know that we're friendly and we talk a bit up north and you've already had a few good conversations, not just here at the training ground…

SP : “I've said that to my wife many times! I spent a little time up north when I was playing in Newcastle but for large parts of my life we have always been in and around London.

“The one thing that you notice up north is, in terms of the genuine friendliness and the kind hearted people that they are. I've experienced every bit of that!

“Whether that's going to Turf Moor and seeing the people there, whether that's me parking my car and getting some petrol… they've embraced every bit of it. A real friendliness and a real warmth about them which, as human beings, helps to be quite honest with you. So yeah, I've loved every bit of that.”

BFC : “Just finally, because we know every minute is important to you right now, what is the most important thing for you to do now?

SP : “There’s a lot of things which I need to try and tick off, of course there is.

“One important thing is getting these players up to speed, in terms of pre-season and getting them fit.

“But, I think more importantly is for the players to understand what I'm about and what I represent. Certainly, what I want our team to represent along with the fans and everyone at the football club.

“There are a lot of games coming up and it gives me an opportunity to keep seeing things and keep understanding people and understand exactly what they're about and learning every day.

“So yeah, I'm excited and I'm really looking forward to the next few weeks and then letting the fans and everyone else see that as well."