Christmas at home for Matt Bloomfield is a rarity having spent his entire adult life in football but it does not mean time off. Having also visited clubs in the Premier League and Championship since leaving Luton, even reading is research to him.
“I have just started Gareth Southgate’s book,” he tells Sky Sports. “I admire the way he conducts himself, how he treats people. I am also reading Eleven Rings by Phil Jackson.” Studying the career of the legendary basketball coach is not about escapism.
“All I read about is leadership because I feel like I am learning,” explains Bloomfield. “I read books and I go on courses. I cannot just sit at home and do nothing. When I go into the next job, I want to feel like I have a higher chance of success because of this break.”
A conversation with Bloomfield, 41, offers an insight into just how absorbing the job of football management can become. He is particularly driven, having worked with a mindset coach and a sports psychologist during the latter part of his long playing career.
“I didn’t want to leave any stone unturned on my playing career. I wanted to drag every last drop of potential out of my playing career. And I played in the Championship for the first time at 36, achieved the most I possibly could in the last years of my career.
“Before that, I put in so much effort in the gym, on nutrition, on tactics, but I never worked on my mind. During my twenties, I probably played with fear. I never put any effort into what my mind was telling me.” The change has served him well in coaching.
His departure from Luton Town in October, with the team three points outside the playoff positions in League One, represents the first real blip of his managerial career after promising work at both Colchester United and Wycombe Wanderers prior to that.
“Heartbroken.” That is how Bloomfield describes the emotion after his time at Kenilworth Road was cut short. He had done good work last season, with only the top two in the Championship, Burnley and Leeds, picking up more points from March on.
Having inherited a dire situation, it proved not quite enough to keep Luton in the division but he was proud of his impact. “We really turned it around. The run of form that the club was on, it took a lot of work. It felt like we changed the mindset of the whole club.”
He adds: “The previous three away wins had come in three different calendar years. But we went to Cardiff and won. We went to Derby and won. To be the third-best team over the last quarter of the season was no mean feat considering where we came from.”
Matt Bloomfield celebrating during his time as Wycombe Wanderers manager
There was optimism in the summer but the scale of change was a challenge. “A double relegation means many players moving on. It was a huge amount of work over the off-season to persuade players to come and sign for us. We got a lot right. Maybe not everything.
“With any rebuild, it is never going to be linear, it will take time to settle. I knew that it would not look perfect, how I wanted it to look, but we had to be patient. Ultimately, with 13 players unavailable, 11 games in, we ran out of time. It was terribly disappointing.”
Matt Bloomfield with a manager of the month award during his time at Colchester
There is still frustration that he could not see his vision take shape. “When I went into Luton, the formation that fitted the players the best was not the formation that I went in there to play but I was flexible with that.” Now, he sees it all as a learning experience.
“The three jobs that I have had so far have all been groups of players that were coming to the end of their cycle and we had to rebuild. I love developing young players and we have reduced the average age each time. At Colchester, there was a lot of work to do.
“When I went to Wycombe, everything had Gareth Ainsworth’s imprint, which was absolutely correct because what a magnificent job he did over there over 10 years, what a legacy he left. But the team needed to look different so that was an evolution too.”
Matt Bloomfield played under Gareth Ainsworth at Wycombe Wanderers
At Luton, there were unusual challenges too. When goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski lost his father, Bloomfield made a point of travelling to Belgium to support him and meet with his mother. It was described as an “unbelievable gesture” by the player.
“You are looking after the person. That is always the first concern. You have to make them feel comfortable with trusting that you are there for their best interests. You have to build a bond with footballers, with people, so that they know how much you care.
“My whole philosophy around leadership is built around people. Be empathetic towards the person, but lead with courage and lead with bold intensity because if you have got a happy, comfortable person, you are going to get more out of them on a football pitch.”
The end of his own playing career, enforced following a series of concussions, was tough but has helped him with that empathy. “I do not do contact sports now. I have literally walked away from anything that could give me a risk of any more concussions.”
Matt Bloomfield celebrates trophy success as a player at Wycombe Wanderers
But management is something that Bloomfield will not be walking away from. “I am really trying to use this opportunity to reflect on my journey so far but also to expand my knowledge. I am keen to be better, to improve, so I am looking at how I work.”
The club visits, one day at a Premier League club and four at a Championship club, have been part of that self-analysis, including staying up to date with set-piece advances. “I have written a lot down,” he says. Some of it affirming ideas, others challenging them.
As a result, there is every reason to believe Bloomfield will be a better coach when he returns. The appetite remains. “This is what gets my juices flowing. I know the right job is out there where I can build long-term success. I love it and I want to do it again.”
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
2026 College Football Odds: Can James Franklin, VA Tech Win Total Set at 7.5
Virginia Tech introduced James Franklin as its new head coach in November, and now bettors can wager on how successful a Year 1 he will have.While Franklin gets a fresh start in 2026, his coaching career outlook looked less than favorable just two months ago.In his 12th season as Penn State's head coach, his team suffered one of the most shocking upsets in college football, falling 42-37 to UCLA as 24.5-point favorites in Week 6. The demoralizing loss for the Nittany Lions ended up being the Bruins' first win on the year.Fans and bettors who believed Penn State could bounce back found out fairly quickly that the situation in Happy Valley was nothing to smile about.This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read […]
The Big Picture: Bo Nix, Trevor Lawrence Took Divergent Paths to Top-10 QB Status
Don’t count me as someone who thought I’d be putting Trevor Lawrence and Bo Nix into the top 10 of a quarterback rankings just one month before the playoffs. But that’s what I’ve done. And really, that’s because — over the past few weeks — their quality of play has been undeniable. That’s what they’ve done.There were several reasons to doubt Lawrence and Nix coming into the 2025 season. There were even more reasons after the first four games, when the Jacksonville QB's inconsistency was compounded by receiver drops and the Denver QB's decision-making issues led to four interceptions in the first four weeks.But both quarterbacks have ascended since then. For Nix, he clearly enjoyed the best game of his career last week — his first four-touchdown game, without a sack or an interception against the Green Bay Packers. Lawrence […]
Rusko po odlivu hráček kope kolem sebe. Na pranýř si vzalo vítězku Turnaje mistryň
Rusku se bortí tenisový svět pod nohama, a tak jeho čelní představitelé kopou kolem sebe. Zemi totiž houfně opouští hráčky elitní stovky žebříčku WTA. Jenom v tomto roce vzaly kramle Darja Kasatkinová, která se rozhodla reprezentovat dalekou Austrálii, za což si z bývalé domoviny vyslechla hodně kritiky.V posledních týdnech na její odvahu navázaly Anastasija Potapovová a Polina Kuděrmetovová. Prvně jmenovaná dlouhodobě žije v Rakousku, a tak svoji lásku k zemi přetavila v zisk nového občanství. Její krajanka, mimo jiné mladší sestra známější grandslamové šampionky ve čtyřhře Veroniky, během minulého týdne si domluvila uzbecké občanství. Už dříve se Ruska vzdaly kromě Rybakinové, její spolubojovnice v dresu Kazachstánu Julia Putincevová a také Elina Avanesjanová. Ta se upsala Arménii. Tím, že se většina ruských tenistek rozhodla pro občanství v bývalých státech Sovětského svazu, ještě více zvyšují tep ruským funkcionářům.A tak se patrně snaží situaci nějak překlopit na svoji stranu. Předseda Ruské tenisové federace Šamil Tarpiščev […]
Seahawks vs. Rams prediction, odds: Week 16 ‘Thursday Night Football’ picks by proven model
The NFC West lead will be on the line when the Los Angeles Rams battle the Seattle Seahawks in a matchup of two of the best teams in the NFL on 'Thursday Night Football.' Los Angeles is coming off a 41-34 win over the Detroit Lions, while Seattle squeaked past the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Rams (11-3), who have won two in a row, are 5-2 on the road this season. The Seahawks (11-3), who have won four consecutive games, are 5-2 on their home field. Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) missed practice on Monday and Tuesday.Kickoff from Lumen Field in Seattle is set for 8:15 p.m. ET. The all-time series is tied 28-28, with Los Angeles earning a 21-19 win in their last meeting in November. Seattle is a 1-point favorites in the latest Rams vs. Seahawks […]
Jornal espanhol exalta Filipe Luís: “colocou PSG nas cordas”
Filipe Luis no comando do Flamengo. Foto: AP Photo/Hussein SayedO Flamengo não levantou a taça da Copa Intercontinental, mas deixou o Catar com reconhecimento internacional. A derrota nos pênaltis para o PSG não impediu que a atuação rubro-negra recebesse elogios de alguns dos principais jornais esportivos da Espanha, que destacaram o desempenho coletivo e, sobretudo, o trabalho de Filipe Luís à frente da equipe. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEA final disputada no estádio Ahmad bin Ali colocou frente a frente os campeões da Libertadores e da Champions League. Dentro de campo, o Flamengo conseguiu equilibrar forças, levou o jogo ao limite e forçou a decisão nas penalidades, cenário pouco esperado diante do poderio do elenco francês.Marca vê PSG pressionado e destaca comando rubro-negroO jornal Marca, de Madri, foi direto ao analisar a partida. Para a publicação, o Flamengo conseguiu impor dificuldades reais ao […]
Second Thoughts: Can Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Mend Relationships?
A week after the big NASCAR antitrust trial came to an end, much of the chatter has centered on what fences can be mended and which ones are not fixable.Let’s take a look:Michael Jordan/Denny Hamlin-NASCAR brassNASCAR’s biggest frustration, as it appeared during the trial, was with Jordan business partner and 23XI co-owner Curtis Polk.They didn’t love everything that Hamlin did or said. And obviously they wish they weren't sued by Jordan, but they probably can see that it came from a love of racing.They most likely aren’t exchanging any gifts for the holidays. The bruises are going to take time to heal. With time, the fences could be mended. After all, a NASCAR with Jordan singing its praises is one that will resonate with fans.But it’s also obvious from recent social posts that Hamlin won’t let those who criticized him filing […]
Related
2026 College Football Odds: Can James Franklin, VA Tech Win Total Set at 7.5
Virginia Tech introduced James Franklin as its new head coach in November, and now bettors can wager on how successful a Year 1 he will have.While Franklin gets a fresh start in 2026, his coaching career outlook looked less than favorable just two months ago.In his 12th season as Penn State's head coach, his team suffered one of the most shocking upsets in college football, falling 42-37 to UCLA as 24.5-point favorites in Week 6. The demoralizing loss for the Nittany Lions ended up being the Bruins' first win on the year.Fans and bettors who believed Penn State could bounce back found out fairly quickly that the situation in Happy Valley was nothing to smile about.This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read […]
The Big Picture: Bo Nix, Trevor Lawrence Took Divergent Paths to Top-10 QB Status
Don’t count me as someone who thought I’d be putting Trevor Lawrence and Bo Nix into the top 10 of a quarterback rankings just one month before the playoffs. But that’s what I’ve done. And really, that’s because — over the past few weeks — their quality of play has been undeniable. That’s what they’ve done.There were several reasons to doubt Lawrence and Nix coming into the 2025 season. There were even more reasons after the first four games, when the Jacksonville QB's inconsistency was compounded by receiver drops and the Denver QB's decision-making issues led to four interceptions in the first four weeks.But both quarterbacks have ascended since then. For Nix, he clearly enjoyed the best game of his career last week — his first four-touchdown game, without a sack or an interception against the Green Bay Packers. Lawrence […]
Rusko po odlivu hráček kope kolem sebe. Na pranýř si vzalo vítězku Turnaje mistryň
Rusku se bortí tenisový svět pod nohama, a tak jeho čelní představitelé kopou kolem sebe. Zemi totiž houfně opouští hráčky elitní stovky žebříčku WTA. Jenom v tomto roce vzaly kramle Darja Kasatkinová, která se rozhodla reprezentovat dalekou Austrálii, za což si z bývalé domoviny vyslechla hodně kritiky.V posledních týdnech na její odvahu navázaly Anastasija Potapovová a Polina Kuděrmetovová. Prvně jmenovaná dlouhodobě žije v Rakousku, a tak svoji lásku k zemi přetavila v zisk nového občanství. Její krajanka, mimo jiné mladší sestra známější grandslamové šampionky ve čtyřhře Veroniky, během minulého týdne si domluvila uzbecké občanství. Už dříve se Ruska vzdaly kromě Rybakinové, její spolubojovnice v dresu Kazachstánu Julia Putincevová a také Elina Avanesjanová. Ta se upsala Arménii. Tím, že se většina ruských tenistek rozhodla pro občanství v bývalých státech Sovětského svazu, ještě více zvyšují tep ruským funkcionářům.A tak se patrně snaží situaci nějak překlopit na svoji stranu. Předseda Ruské tenisové federace Šamil Tarpiščev […]
Seahawks vs. Rams prediction, odds: Week 16 ‘Thursday Night Football’ picks by proven model
The NFC West lead will be on the line when the Los Angeles Rams battle the Seattle Seahawks in a matchup of two of the best teams in the NFL on 'Thursday Night Football.' Los Angeles is coming off a 41-34 win over the Detroit Lions, while Seattle squeaked past the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Rams (11-3), who have won two in a row, are 5-2 on the road this season. The Seahawks (11-3), who have won four consecutive games, are 5-2 on their home field. Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) missed practice on Monday and Tuesday.Kickoff from Lumen Field in Seattle is set for 8:15 p.m. ET. The all-time series is tied 28-28, with Los Angeles earning a 21-19 win in their last meeting in November. Seattle is a 1-point favorites in the latest Rams vs. Seahawks […]
Jornal espanhol exalta Filipe Luís: “colocou PSG nas cordas”
Filipe Luis no comando do Flamengo. Foto: AP Photo/Hussein SayedO Flamengo não levantou a taça da Copa Intercontinental, mas deixou o Catar com reconhecimento internacional. A derrota nos pênaltis para o PSG não impediu que a atuação rubro-negra recebesse elogios de alguns dos principais jornais esportivos da Espanha, que destacaram o desempenho coletivo e, sobretudo, o trabalho de Filipe Luís à frente da equipe. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEA final disputada no estádio Ahmad bin Ali colocou frente a frente os campeões da Libertadores e da Champions League. Dentro de campo, o Flamengo conseguiu equilibrar forças, levou o jogo ao limite e forçou a decisão nas penalidades, cenário pouco esperado diante do poderio do elenco francês.Marca vê PSG pressionado e destaca comando rubro-negroO jornal Marca, de Madri, foi direto ao analisar a partida. Para a publicação, o Flamengo conseguiu impor dificuldades reais ao […]
Second Thoughts: Can Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Mend Relationships?
A week after the big NASCAR antitrust trial came to an end, much of the chatter has centered on what fences can be mended and which ones are not fixable.Let’s take a look:Michael Jordan/Denny Hamlin-NASCAR brassNASCAR’s biggest frustration, as it appeared during the trial, was with Jordan business partner and 23XI co-owner Curtis Polk.They didn’t love everything that Hamlin did or said. And obviously they wish they weren't sued by Jordan, but they probably can see that it came from a love of racing.They most likely aren’t exchanging any gifts for the holidays. The bruises are going to take time to heal. With time, the fences could be mended. After all, a NASCAR with Jordan singing its praises is one that will resonate with fans.But it’s also obvious from recent social posts that Hamlin won’t let those who criticized him filing […]
Be the first to leave a comment