Largs: The Birthplace of World-Class Managers

Located on the picturesque Scottish coast, the town of Largs has been a breeding ground for some of the world's best football managers. Icons like Jose Mourinho and Fabio Capello have honed their skills at the Inverclyde National Sports Centre, a little-known gem in the realm of sports coaching.

A Rite of Passage for Europe's Top Managers

For several decades, the Inverclyde National Sports Centre has attracted aspiring managers from all over Europe. The centre, operated by the Scottish Football Association, offers courses to budding coaches seeking to earn their coaching badges. It has become a rite of passage for many of Europe's top managers.

From Sir Alex Ferguson to Brendan Rodgers

Over the years, the success of the Inverclyde National Sports Centre has been evident in the Premier League. At the start of the 2011/12 season, nine out of the 20 Premier League managers had either taught or taken lessons at Inverclyde, including legendary figures like Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes, Andre Villas Boas, and Brendan Rodgers.

World-Class Lecturers and Man-Management Skills

One of the reasons for the success of Inverclyde's students is the roster of respected managers who provide coaching lectures. Figures like Sir Alex Ferguson and Jim McLean, as well as esteemed coaches from Europe, have shared their expertise at the centre. In addition, Inverclyde was ahead of its time by focusing on man-management skills during its courses.

A Hub for Promising Coaches and Managers

Originally built in the 19th century, the Inverclyde National Sports Centre underwent a transformation in the 1950s when it was purchased by the Scottish Council for Physical Recreation. Since then, it has been developed into a hub for promising coaches and managers. A recent £17 million makeover in 2017 modernized the facility and improved accessibility for para-athletes.

Continuing the Legacy

While the conveyor belt of top managers may have slowed in recent years, the Inverclyde National Sports Centre still attracts aspiring coaches. Former Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo is among the more recent attendees, having studied in Largs in 2012 before managing in Spain, England, Saudi Arabia, and his homeland, Portugal.