An exclusive interview with First Team Coach Jamie Clapham.
Reds First Team Coach Jamie Clapham recently signed a new deal to keep him at the Club until the end of the 2016/17 season.
Claps, as he’s affectionately known by his colleagues at Oakwell, spoke exclusively to Barnsley Player HD after signing the deal.
After a successful playing career which tallied up over 400 first team appearances, including Premier League and UEFA Cup matches, Clapham is now thrilled to be progressing in his coaching career.
Upon signing the deal, he said, “I’m delighted to get it sorted. We had spoken about it a little bit before I signed, it was just circumstances that it took a little bit longer, so I’m glad it’s all done now and we can focus until the end of the season.”
The partnership between Jamie and Reds Head Coach Paul Heckingbottom stretches back a number of years, so Jamie gave us an insight into how that relationship began.
“I think it was the ‘A’ licences that we started on together which was a good six years ago! It takes that long to get your badges, it’s hard to remember. We often talk about what it was like when we were doing those courses and how long ago it was. It’s funny when you look back and see what else has gone on!”
Clapham has had a long and successful career as a player, but the new Reds coaching addition spoke of how he now intends to work in his new role.
“It’s a good job you’re asking me and not the players, it might be a different answer!” He quipped. “Everybody has different ways and different personalities. I think you have to get to know the players as individuals and see what makes them tick to try and get the best, and the most out of them. I like to see myself as a bit of a teacher, rather than demanding from them.”
He continued, “I want them to solve problems and learn the game. Being a player myself, at times, you definitely have to tell players what you want from them and how you want them to do it. I think if you do that, you don’t always get the learning from the players, but if they can learn what you want from them then there is more chance of them getting it right.”
Watch the full interview with Jamie Clapham on Barnsley Player HD!