West Ham boss Allardyce hails the use of psychologists in football as he aims to …

By
Craig Hope

PUBLISHED:

23:52 GMT, 28 February 2014

|
UPDATED:

00:11 GMT, 1 March 2014

Sam Allardyce was a sceptical Brit playing in the North American Soccer League when he was first exposed to psychology in football.

That was over 30 years ago. The NASL, ultimately, folded. Psychology in sport, however, survived.
Today, Allardyce swears by such therapy.

Indeed, West Ham psychologist Lee Richardson was recently credited in helping to alleviate the troubles which plagued skipper Kevin Nolan when he was sent off twice in four matches.

VIDEO Scroll down to watch Allardyce's press conference ahead of Everton vs West Ham

Mind game: West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is a big believer in the psychology of football

The midfielder has returned to score five times from six outings.

Nolan’s case is one example of a player perhaps needing a little spiritual guidance when events on the pitch conspired against them. But there are others whose battles have plunged far greater depths.

Allardyce talks openly about such problems in football and believes regular contact with a psychologist is the best way to exercise the mind and maintain a healthy outlook.

‘Only weak people use psychologists – now that’s just a stupid British mentality isn’t it?’ said the man who has employed a ‘shrink’ at each of Bolton, Newcastle, Blackburn and now West Ham.

Forward thinking: Psychologist Lee Richardson has played a part in Kevin Nolan's (above) return to form

Sticking together: West Ham players celebrate a Nolan goal against Southampton in the Premier League

‘I first sat down with a group session in the 80s when I played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

‘The amount of American players who enjoyed working with the psychiatrist really opened my eyes.

‘I was one of the Brits that said “what do I want one of these for?”.

‘But as time went on and you listened and saw what was going on around you, you realised that sooner or later it would be a part of life.

‘When you see a lot of people suffering from depression – even high-profile sportsmen – I think it’s even more important now because it could stop that moving to those depths of a deep, dark depression which people are frightened to admit to in this country.

‘Talking and working through it is far better than taking medicine.

Happy Hammers: Allardyce is getting the best out of Carlton Cole (left) upon his West Ham return

‘A problem shared is a problem halved. Even when you’re in a positive mood it’s about continuing it and not saying “right, I’m okay now, I don’t need to speak to you any more”.

‘That’s rubbish; you continue to grow, not wait until it gets bad before you go back.’

Allardyce insists he would never force such treatment on a player and says all sessions remain confidential.

Helping hand: Allardyce revealed that he has been using club psychologists for the past 12 years

He himself makes full use of the club psychologist and is keen to stress that conversation is not necessarily complex.

‘I use them all the time,’ added the 59-year-old. ‘I have done for the last 12 years; half an hour here, an hour there. It always clears the mind somewhat and gets you into a better thinking process.

‘It’s sensible, good quality talking of how to move forward and get better. It can be on promoting goals, fulfilling dreams and how you get yourself in the right frame of mind.

‘It’s not rocket science, it’s all sensible stuff. Perhaps we don’t think about it enough though.’

Allardyce, then, has come a long way since those early misgivings in Florida.

Now, he is determined to open the mind of others.