More About Bill

Bill is recognised as a leader in the field of applied sports psychology and especially renowned for his work with professional elite soccer teams. With an academic background to Masters degree level and experience as Head Coach to England Men's Basketball Team (Commonwealth Gold Medal Winners), Bill was ideally placed to become the first sports psychologist operating fully in English professional soccer.

From 1996-9 Bill helped Derby County Football Club compete successfully in the world's toughest league, the English Premier. The effectiveness of his work was soon noticed by the English Football Association and he was appointed to the staff of the England Under 18 and Under 21 teams.

During this time Bill wrote 'Focused For Soccer' (Human Kinetics) the first book exploring the psychology of soccer. This has proved to be a world-wide success and has recently been translated into Japanese and Chinese.

In 1999 Bill received the ultimate recognition and was appointed to the staff of Manchester United, the world's biggest and best known soccer club. There Bill worked with coaches, the team and individual players to build mental toughness and competitive edge in an environment where expectations are such that every game is expected to be won.

When the Manchester United and England Coach, Steve McClaren, was appointed Manager of Middlesbrough Football Club in the summer of 2001, he surprised the Footballing world by appointing Bill as his Assistant Manager, the most senior role a sports psychologist has achieved in British Sport.

For 5 seasons Bill supported Steve in creating the most successful period in Middlesbrough's history, continued success in the Premier League, the first ever cup won (Carling Cup 2004), qualification for European competition and reaching the Final of the UEFA Cup in Eindhoven, Holland 2006.

In June 2006 Bill moved on from Middlesbrough to focus on developing Sportsmind Limited, a business he has run for over 20 years.

A family man, Bill lives in Cheshire with his wife Val and enjoys reading, travelling, keeping fit at Manchester YMCA, and especially the company of his grandchildren.