LMA MENTORING PROGRAMME
MENTORS LIST
Experience
• LMA Mentor (2018present)
• England Under-19 Manager (20092014)
• Exeter City Manager (2000-01)
NOEL BLAKE.
LMA Mentor I’M VERY GRATEFUL TO THE LMA FOR PROVIDING ME WITH A MENTOR. I HAVE WORKED WITH A LOT OF DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND COACHES, AND I HAVE TO SAY THAT MY LMA MENTOR IS THE BEST I HAVE WORKED WITH. HE HAS A NATURAL EMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING AND HIS SUPPORT HAS BEEN EXTREMELY VALUABLE TO ME. “
Noel is a vastly experienced coach and manager in the English game having progressed from a 22 year playing career to coaching at both club and international level, establishing a proven ability to develop players and build high performing teams in line with set development strategies, club objectives and available resources.
He was a key figure in the FA’s international youth structure for seven years as a coach at U19, U18 and U16 level, having worked with some of the brightest young talent in the domestic game. He now turns his attention to helping managers, coaches and leaders in the game excel and reach their potential.
Experience
• LMA Mentor (2018present)
• England Under-19 Manager (20092014)
• Exeter City Manager (2000-01)
Profile
NOEL BLAKE.
LMA Mentor
Noel is a vastly experienced coach and manager in the English game having progressed from a 22 year playing career to coaching at both club and international level, establishing a proven ability to develop players and build high performing teams in line with set development strategies, club objectives and available resources.
He was a key figure in the FA’s international youth structure for seven years as a coach at U19, U18 and U16 level, having worked with some of the brightest young talent in the domestic game. He now turns his attention to helping managers, coaches and leaders in the game excel and reach their potential.
Experience
• Solihull Moors Assistant Manager (2025)
• Dagenham & Redbridge Assistant Manager (2025)
• Grenada National Team Head Coach (2023-24)
• Blackpool FC Assistant Manager (2021)
• Cardiff City Assistant Manager (2021)
• APOEL Assistant Manager (2020-21)
• Republic of Ireland Assistant Manager (2018-20)
• Ipswich Town Assistant Manager (2012-18)
• Wolverhampton Wanderers Manager (2012)
• Wolverhampton Wanderers Assistant Manager (2008-12)
TERRY CONNOR.
LMA Mentor
Profile
Terry Connor is a respected coach with over 25 years of experience in English and international football. Born in Leeds in 1962, he enjoyed a professional playing career before moving into coaching, working across the Premier League, Football League and with the Grenada national team. He now turns his attention to helping managers, coaches and leaders in the game excel and reach their potential.
Experience
• Plymouth Argyle Caretaker Manager (2023- 24)
• Canada Women’s National Team Coach and Mentor (2021)
• Plymouth Argyle Director of Football (2019-25)
• England Under-18 Manager (2014-19)
• England Under-20 Manager (2017)
• England Under17 Manager (2015)
• Everton Academy (1996-2013)
Key Achievements
• Canada Women’s National Team: Gold Medal at Tokyo 2020 Olympics
NEIL DEWSNIP.
LMA Mentor
Profile
Neil Dewsnip brings decades of experience in player and coach development. After 17 years leading at Everton’s academy, he went on to manage England’s youth teams and served as Technical Director at Plymouth Argyle.
Having shaped generations of young talent, he now focuses on supporting managers, coaches and leaders to excel and realise their full potential in football.
WATCH:
Neil discuss being a mentor in the modern game
Experience
• Fulham FC First-Team Coach (2015-25)
• Sheffield Wednesday Head Coach (2013-25)
• Portsmouth FC Caretaker Manager (2011)
• Burnley FC Caretaker Manager (2010-11)
• Northampton Town Manager (2007-09)
• Wolverhampton Wanderers Assistant Manager (2002-06)
• Aston Villa Caretaker Manager (2002)
• Southampton FC Manager (2001)
Key Achievements
• EFL Championship Play-Off Winners: 2017-18 and 2019-20
• EFL Championship Winners: 2021-22
STUART GRAY.
LMA Technical Consultant & Mentor
Profile
Stuart Gray has built a reputation for leadership and consistency across playing, management and senior coaching roles. His career includes managerial and coaching positions with several top English clubs. Now, drawing on decades of experience, he supports managers, coaches and leaders in developing their performance and achieving sustained success.
Experience
• Leicester City Women Assistant Manager (2021-22)
• UEFA Technical Observer (2019present)
• LMA Mentor (2018present)
• Head of Women's Elite Development The FA (2013-17)
• England Women Under-19 (2014)
• England Women Caretaker Manager (2013)
• England Women U23 (2004-13)
• England Women Caretaker Manager (2006)
BRENT HILLS.
LMA Mentor
Profile
Brent Hills has been a major influence in English football, particularly through his leadership in women’s and youth development. Having served as England Women’s assistant manager and FA Head of Elite Development, he has played a vital role in shaping modern coaching standards. He now turns his focus to helping managers, coaches and leaders across the game continue to grow and reach their highest potential.
WATCH: Brent talk about how he mentors
Experience
• LMA Technical Manager
• LMA Mentor (2018present)
• Scunthorpe United Manager (2012-13)
• Shamrock Rovers Manager (2012)
• Burnley FC Manager (2010)
• Sheffield Wednesday Manager (2006-09)
• Scunthorpe United Manager (1997-2006)
• Grimsby Town Manager (1994-96)
Key Achievements
• EFL League Two PlayOff Winner: 1999
• EFL League Twon Manager of the Month: April 2005
• EFL League One Manager of the Month: September 2006
BRIAN LAWS.
LMA Technical Manager & Mentor
Profile
Brian Laws has enjoyed a distinguished career as both player and manager, representing clubs such as Nottingham Forest and Burnley before leading teams including Scunthorpe United and Sheffield Wednesday.
With a wealth of leadership experience, he now uses his knowledge to help managers, coaches and leaders strengthen their approach and maximise performance.
WATCH: Brian on the role of mentor
Experience
• England Women Under-19 Manager (2001-17)
• Everton Women Manager (2002-12)
• England Women Interim Manager (2017-18)
• England Women Under-21 Manager (2018-20)
• England Women Under-23 Manager (2021-23)
Key Achievements
• FA Women’s Premier League Cup: 2007-08
• FA Women’s Cup: 2009-10
• UEFA Women’s Under19 Championship: 2009
MO MARLEY MBE.
LMA Mentor
Profile
Mo Marley MBE is a trailblazer in women’s football, having captained and managed Everton and led England Women’s youth teams to international success.
Recognised for her contribution to the game, she now applies her vast experience to helping managers, coaches and leaders grow, perform and succeed at every level of the sport.
WATCH: Mo discuss why she became a mentor
Experience
• Hibernian FC Director of Football (2023-24)
• Reading FC Manager (2015-16)
• Leeds United Manager (2013-14)
• Reading FC Manager (2009-13)
• Reading FC Chief Scout, Under-19 and Reserve Team Manager (200009)
Key Achievements
• EFL Championship Winner: 2011-12
• LMA Championship Manage of the Year: 2011-12
• Premier League Manager of the Month: January 2013
• EFL Championship Manger of the Month: March 2010, April 2011, February 2012 and March 2012.
BRIAN MCDERMOTT.
LMA Mentor
Profile
Brian McDermott is best known for guiding Reading F.C. to Premier League promotion in 2012 and managing Leeds United. A former Arsenal player, his journey spans scouting, recruitment and senior management. He now shares his expertise to support managers, coaches and leaders striving to enhance team culture, strategy and personal growth.
WATCH: Brian talk through the role of a mentor
Experience
• England U17 – U20 Professional Development Phase Lead (2025-present)
• Queens Park Rangers Technical Director (2016-24)
• Queens Park Rangers Manager (2015)
• Queens Park Rangers Head of Player Development and Academy Manager (2014-15)
• England U17 Assistant Manager (2014)
• Tottenham Hotspur Head of Player Development (2004-14)
• England U20 Manager (1998-2000)
CHRIS RAMSEY MBE.
LMA Mentor
Profile
Following a successful career as a player, Chris transitioned into coaching and development, he has worked across youth and senior levels, from roles with the Football Association England teams to a decade-long tenure at Tottenham Hotspur where he served as Head of Player Development.
In February 2015 he was appointed head coach of Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League, then subsequently took on the role of Technical Director at the club in January 2016.
He now turns his attention to helping managers, coaches and leaders in the game excel and reach their potential.
Experience
• England Under-21 Assistant Coach (2025present)
• Nottingham Forest First-Team Coach (2023-2024)
• Nottingham Forest Interim Manager (2021)
• Scotland National Team Coach (2019-21)
• West Bromwich Albion Assistant Manager (2019)
• Crystal Palace FirstTeam Coach (2017-18)
• Reading FC First-Team Coach (2015-17)
Profile
STEVEN REID.
LMA Mentor
Steven Reid is a former Republic of Ireland international who made over 200 Premier League appearances before turning to coaching.
He has since worked with several Premier League clubs, bringing deep insight into player development, performance and leadership. He now focuses on helping managers, coaches and leaders across the game develop the mindset and skills to reach their potential.
WATCH: Steven discuss why he wanted to become a mentor
Experience
• Hull FC Head Coach (2023-24)
• Hull KR Head Coach (2019-22)
• Warrington Wolves Head Coach (2009-17)
• Leeds Rhinos Head Coach (2004-07)
• Huddersfield Giants Head Coach (2001-03)
Key Achievements
• Super League Grand Final: 2004 and 2007
• League Leaders Shield: 2004 and 2011
• Super League Coach of the Year: 2006
• Challenge Cup Final: 2009, 2010 and 2012
• World Club Challenge: 2005
• Rugby League International Federation Coach of the Year: 2007
TONY SMITH.
LMA Mentor
Profile
Tony Smith is an Australian rugby league coach with a long career in the Northern Hemisphere, having managed multiple Super League clubs including Huddersfield Giants, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Hull KR, and Hull FC. He is a two-time Grand Final winner and has also coached Great Britain. He is no focuses his time on helping businesses develop leaders, strengthen teams and transform organisational culture. With his decades of experience coaching elite sports teams to high performance, he has developed a unique approach to leadership and team development that is tailored to unique situations and people. He works with LMA across many of its projects including mentoring our members.
Experience
• Chesterfield FC Director of Football (2017)
• Chesterfield FC Chief Executive (2011-17)
• Hartlepool United Manager (2008-10)
• Stockport County Manager (2004-05)
• Sheffield Wednesday Manager (2002-04)
• Hartlepool United Manager (1999-2002)
• Leyton Orient Manager (1994-95)
Profile
CHRIS TURNER.
LMA Mentor
Chris Turner is a former professional goalkeeper and manager who made over 200 appearances for Sunderland AFC and began his career Sheffield Wednesday FC. He later managed a series of EFL clubs, bringing a broad range of leadership and operational experience across playing and coaching ranks.
His lifelong dedication to football now sees him helping managers, coaches and leaders develop their skills, adapt to change and reach.
WATCH: Chris talk about helping new managers
NOEL BLAKE.
LMA CONTACTS .
Experience
• LMA Mentor (2018present)
Profile
REBECCA GENTLE.
Member Services Director
• England Under-19 Manager (20092014)
Rebecca.Gentle@leaguemanagers.com
• Exeter City Manager (2000-01)
Noel is a vastly experienced coach and manager in the English game having progressed from a 22 year playing career to coaching at both club and international level, establishing a proven ability to develop players and build high performing teams in line with set development strategies, club objectives and available resources.
MIKE GILMORE.
Member Services Manager Mike.Gilmore@leaguemanagers.com
He was a key figure in the FA’s international youth structure for seven years as a coach at U19, U18 and U16 level, having worked with some of the brightest young talent in the domestic game. He now turns his attention to helping managers, coaches and leaders in the game excel and reach their potential.
To select an LMA Mentor or book an introductory call, please contact Mike.Gilmore@leaguemanagers.com or call 07385 291070.
