Project Managers, the Heart of Every Football Club.

Abstract

Project managers have become central to the success of modern football clubs, managing both the sporting and business aspects of operations. This paper examines how the role of project managers has evolved over the last 20 years, expanding from football-related duties to encompass broader responsibilities, including financial management, recruitment strategies, and long-term planning. With football clubs now functioning as multi-billion-dollar organizations, the influence of project managers has grown significantly, as they are tasked with balancing on-pitch success with off-pitch business objectives. The study highlights how project managers have become indispensable, often holding more power than some stakeholders, making their role crucial to a club’s stability and future success. As clubs increasingly rely on project managers, the paper also explores the risks of concentrating too much power in a single individual. The success or failure of a club can now hinge on the decisions of one person, creating a fragile dynamic where mistakes can have widespread consequences. Additionally, the study delves into the growing pressure project managers face, as they are tasked with navigating an industry that has seen rapid commercialization, inflated transfer fees, and increased competition. Overall, project managers are positioned as the heart of every football club, guiding its direction in an ever-changing and competitive environment