FORMER Norwich, Spurs and Northern Ireland player Paul McVeigh has delved into
the world of sports psychology with a booked called The Stupid Footballer Is
Dead.

Here, McVeigh tells CHARLIE WYETT why he wrote the book.

“Football is still so backward and people have a closed mind. Some managers
and players don’t want to accept psychology is a massive part of the game.
They say ‘I don’t need that because I am playing in the Premier League’.

"But there is untapped talent by improving a player's mindset. I have
heard managers saying ‘we are in pursuit of excellence and will do
everything in their power’. But then they do not want a sports psychologist.
It is unbelievable. So many clubs and managers are not open to the idea.

"I started a company with sports psychologist Gavin Drake, who I have
worked with. We are working with football clubs and working on the mental
side. We worked with Norwich youth team last year and they won the FA Youth
Cup. I am not saying we deserved the credit but we helped them develop the
mental side of the game.

"The book is about players reaching the top level of their sport. We have
seen players who have all the ability in world but not got the correct
attitude or mindset. That comes in every shape and form. It is about dealing
with setbacks and someone saying ‘no’. And dealing with so-called pressure.
Everyone has different versions of what pressure is but it can effect
someone. Look at Rory McIlroy right now.

"Andy Murray is a great example. He always had the physical side and had
the shots. The thing that took him across the line to a Grand Slam title was
his mindset and how he deals with his emotions. Something changed. But
improving your mental approach can be the difference between success and
failure."