I’m Paul Robinson, Owner of Paul Robinson Coaching, I’m a very passionate person wanting to make a difference to my local community.
Working to help improve young and senior sportspeople, with their development, understanding of the game and mindset on how to reach the next level of football.
- Tell us a little bit about your business…
My current business is player focused football coaching, offering 1:1 and small groups. Helping football players from grassroots, semi-pro and Elite professional environments to take their game to the next level, it is also a way for me to share my own experiences and low points to help the next generations not feel alone or its just happening to them.
- How did you get into the industry?
I played professional football for 22 years in the highest two divisions of the English pyramid. Playing for Watford, West Brom, Bolton, Leeds and Birmingham City FC.
- What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in your industry?
The biggest opportunities you have in the industry are when you are doing well, other clubs might take an interest in you as a player or for your coaching abilities. The challenges you face are when you’re out of work and the phone stops ringing. I’ve applied for jobs and no replies back to let me know the situation can be very difficult to deal with and you have to be resilient.
- How would you describe your leadership style?
Honest, fair, approachable, good interpersonal skills, hardworking, positive and supportive.
- How do you get the most out of the people who work for you?
It is key to be supportive and positive, also understanding the individuals who work with/for you and knowing what works best when dealing with difficult conversations, not everyone needs the same approach.
- What are the most crucial elements to your business running smoothly and being successful?
Adaptability, focus and quick turnarounds. Being able to think on your feet and recognise specific issues and facing them head on.
- How has the past 12 months been for you?
It’s been an interesting 12 months. I left my role at Millwall FC in September 2023 and had my first Christmas off with my family, during that time I was able to reassess and look at things that haven’t worked so well for me allowing me to recognise the changes I needed to make moving forward. I do believe it is important to be honest with yourself. In March I was brought in at Birmingham City as interim assistant manager, this was a very intense and challenging few months, I gave my all in a very short space of time, and in football that isn’t always translated in results on the pitch, football is result driven and sometimes you are not given the time to implement what you want. Once the season finished, I decided it was time to start my own football coaching business, coaching all age groups 1:1 and small groups.
- What will the next 12 months look like for your business?
I am feeling really excited about this new chapter in my life, I am currently having the flexibility I have never experienced before and I am my own boss, it’s taking time to get used to, but I have lots of ideas in how I want to grow. I am also still applying for jobs within the Pro game and hope to one day be a manager of a professional football club.
- What are the highlights of your career so far?
So many to mention but in my playing career I would say my 4 promotions, 2x Watford & 2x West Bromwich Albion. There was also the Great Escape with West Brom 2004/05, this will always be my favourite highlight because of the way we fought to stay in the Premier League when bottom at Christmas, at that time no other team had managed it. The great escape with Birmingham was also a great achievement especially to be 2:0 down at Bolton, for us to get back into the game the way we did with that last minute header was incredible.
- What’s the biggest business mistake that you’ve learnt from?
I try not to look at decisions as mistakes or regrets, I try to look at it as an opportunity to change something, however, one of the most challenging times in my career has been when I have missed a lot of family time, it’s a huge sacrifice.
- What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve been given?
Always be true to yourself and listen to your gut, if something doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t. Work out what your zone of genius is, as soon as you have that figured out, work with it, because that is usually your zone of happiness too.
