Derek Anderson gains UEFA Pro Licence

Head of youth Derek Anderson has attained the UEFA Pro Licence after passing his recent examinations following an intensive two-year course.

Former Cappielow defender Anderson becomes the fourth member of the club’s coaching staff to gain the prestigious qualification, following in the footsteps of Jim Duffy, Craig McPherson and Andy Millen.

And Anderson was proud of the achievement, particularly with the latest language module proving a challenging hurdle for the 44-year-old.

Speaking exclusively to gmfc.net, he said: “I got the email to say I had passed after my final-stage interviews up at Hampden last week.

“You go in with Craig Brown, Ann Budge from Hearts and others. One was on tactics, one was about business and one was about leadership.

“The course takes two years and it’s very, very challenging. I went to Prague to see the UEFA Under-21 Championship last year; I had to do a club visit – I went to Bulgaria and team called Cherno More.

“Then when you submit your final book, you have to submit your club visit as well, so it’s loads of work and two years is a long time, but I enjoyed it.

“It is challenging and the language was probably the most challenging for me. I did French and that involved eight blocks from 6pm to 9pm in a class up at Park Gardens in Glasgow.

“I went in with the girl, did the test and passed. Tactics, coaching, speaking on the business in football … I was very comfortable, but French was the one I was dreading, so I was delighted and proud.

“I’d like to thank the chairman and Warren [Hawke] for putting me through the course and paying for it. It was great and I appreciate that.”

Derek renewed acquaintances with an old friend on the course in the shape of namesake and former Morton team-mate John Anderson.

He explained: “John Anderson who used to play with me at Morton was also on the Pro Licence with me, and I’m looking to go down and see him in the New Year.

“To go to an English Premier League game, catch up, go for something to eat and have a few beers and come back up the road the next day.

“Big John’s doing well. He was in coaching in the youth academy at Leeds United last year and Hull City wanted him back, and he’s in there on a full-time basis now and quite settled.

“He’s not changed one bit. I enjoyed his company and we had a good laugh. I hadn’t see him for all those years, since we were team-mates at Cappielow, but it was if I had just seen him last week.”

Main image: Kenny Ramsay