20 Jul 2020
Key Contacts
Richard Bevan - Chief Executive
League
Managers Association
Chief
Executive
2008
– present
St George’s Park, National Football Centre, Staffordshire
Appointed CEO 2008. The LMA is the voice of professional football managers past and present in English football. The association has more than 600 members worldwide which it supports through a series of exclusive member benefits including legal services and health and wellbeing support.
In 2017 the LMA launched the highly regarded LMA Institute of Leadership and High Performance, which provides bespoke, career long learning and personal development for managers and coaches working in the professional game. The institute draws on the best experience from within football, as well as an enviable network of leaders from other sports and industries.
The pandemic provided a huge opportunity to reflect and learn from what we have experienced and to take this forward into 2021 and beyond. The LMA, in conjunction with other football stakeholders, continues to look to harness the power of football to make our world a better place. Increasingly we are taking a stand on what matters, championing great causes, helping those less fortunate than ourselves and collaborating with others to drive change and set powerful examples for others to follow.
LMA
In The Game Charity
Chair
2007
– present
The charity is fundamental to the LMA’s commitment to members in need of a helping hand, specialist care and advice or assistance. It provides support and guidance for those who have fallen on difficult times and scholarships for individual members who require career or wellbeing support. The charity also provides visibility and support to the LMA’s trusted charity partners such as Prostate Cancer UK and Special Olympics GB, enabling LMA members to link up with and show their support for community and grassroots programmes. The LMA aims to increase the remit, funding and visibility of In The Game in order to broaden the assistance to members and increase its contribution to the wider community, including promoting LMA member support for community football coaching projects. The charity is also a supporter of Sport United Against Dementia (SUAD), a flagship Alzheimer’s Society campaign which uses the power of sport to make a real difference to people affected by dementia.
Team
England Player Partnership (Professional Cricketers Association)
Chairman
2001-
present
The Team England Player Partnership has transformed the lives of England players since it was established in 2001. The implementation of England central contracts was the first step with TEPP playing a hands on role in safeguarding players’ interests and representing players on all issues particularly with England and Wales Cricket Board. Richard led on establishing TEPP and remains an influential voice as chairman.
Caribbean
Premier League (CPL)
Chairman
2013 –
present
Appointed Chairman of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
First started in 2013, the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is a franchise-based T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life – dramatic cricket and a vibrant Carnival atmosphere. There was a combined broadcast and digital viewership of over 500 million during the 2020 season to make it one of the most watched leagues in world cricket. St Kitts & Nevis Patriots are the current Hero CPL champions and the other competing teams are Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Trinbago Knight Riders, St. Lucia Kings and Jamaica Tallawahs. The 2021 tournament took place in St Kitts & Nevis from 26 August to 15 September. For further information visit www.cplt20.com
Sport
United Against Dementia
Board
Member
2021-present
Sport United Against Dementia brings together leaders from all sports including football, cricket and rugby to use the power of sport to help those with dementia. This includes working with sport clubs across the UK to ensure they are dementia friendly.
Sue McKellar (McCann) - Board Director of LMA Newmedia Limited
Sue has worked for the LMA since 2005. Initially joining the organisation to supply exclusive interviews with managers for the LMA website she now fulfils the dual role of Premier League managers representative and Director of Communications.
Sue brings a wealth of football and broadcast experience to the LMA that includes 5 years working as Sales & Promotions Manager for Crystal Palace Football Club and 12 years as a Producer with Sky Sports. As well as an extensive contacts list of British football managers Sue has a network of international manager contacts gained whilst travelling world wide to produce Sky Sports News coverage of England international matches for 5 years. In addition Sue has also worked as an Account Manager in both product and recruitment advertising agencies working on blue chip accounts such as Saab, Lloyds Bank and Royal Mail.
In conjunction with Richard Bevan Sue deals with all matters involving the LMA's Premier League managers; meeting and speaking with each manager at regular intervals throughout the year. In her role as Director of Communications Sue conducts interviews for the LMA's 'The Manager' magazine and is involved with the development and execution of the LMA's media strategy.
Lindsay Gordon - Director - In House Lawyer
Lindsay joined the LMA in January 2015 having worked as an employment solicitor in private practice in the 10 years prior, during which time she established a well-regarded sports niche advising clubs, managers, coaches and players across a range of sports.
As the LMA’s In-House Lawyer, Lindsay heads up the LMA Legal Team, advising members on all employment related matters including contracts, disciplinary issues and terminations.
Working alongside the Member Services Team, Lindsay is responsible for producing and developing the legal educational resources and online content as part of the LMA Institute of Leadership and High Performance. She is also the LMA Lead on EDI; Mental and Emotional Wellbeing; and Safeguarding and is responsible for the LMA’s day-to-day HR function.
In February 2021 Lindsay became a Trustee of the LMA’s Charity, In The Game, alongside CEO Richard Bevan, LMA Chairman Howard Wilkinson and LMA Member Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ali Betson - Member Services Director
Ali joined the LMA in March 2013 and was appointed Member Services Director in June 2017.
Ali is responsible for overseeing the delivery of the services we offer to our members and, in particular, the LMA’s wide range of health and wellbeing support.
She previously worked as a journalist, having trained with the BBC in London, and provided PR services to a number of charities.
Ali has a keen interest in languages and is currently (trying to) learn Italian.
Elena Murphy - Commercial Director
Elena joined the LMA in March 2017 and was appointed Commercial Director in November 2021 where she oversees the LMA’s commercial activities and partnerships.
With a background in sports science and wellbeing, Elena moved to England from Australia in 2017 to combine her passion for wellbeing, travel and football.
In her hometown of Melbourne, Elena volunteered as a surf lifesaver and coached youth football in her spare time. She currently keeps busy playing football in the West Midlands Women's Regional League and is studying a Masters of Sports Cardiology.
Tim Foster MBE - Head of Performance
Olympic Champion, 3 x Olympic Athlete, 4 x Olympic Coach, LMA Head of Performance
Tim represented Great Britain at 3 Olympics as part of the national rowing team. During his rowing career he won a total of 9 World Championship and 2 Olympic medals – only twice in 14 years failing to medal. Tim won an Olympic gold medal in Sydney 2000 alongside Steve Redgrave, Matthew Pinsent, and James Cracknell.
On retiring as an athlete, Tim transferred straight into coaching. He coached GB from 2001 – 2006 and was Head Coach for the Swiss National Team from 2007 – 2012. Tim coached the Swiss at World and European Championships, as well as two Olympic Games. He has coached World and Olympic Champions and successfully transitioned the Swiss national team into their most successful period for 20 years.
Tim joined the LMA in 2020, as the Head of Performance, and uses his experience of 30 years in elite sport, to support managers with their personal and career development.
Jennifer Lace - Head of Psychology and Mental Health
Jennifer joined the LMA in December 2022 and is responsible for driving the LMA's Psychology and Mental Health strategy in conjunction with a range of other practitioners on the mental health team within in the LMA.
Jennifer’s background is a blend of strategy and applied psychological practice having worked as a psychological practitioner supporting individuals, teams of staff and athletes of all ages, and leading psychology departments within club and international football for over 10 years.
Jennifer’s research background heavily focuses on coach education. In addition, she has worked in a wide variety of settings including corporate business environments and motor racing teams.
Mark Farthing - Head of Football Operations
Mark joined the LMA in June 2015 as Member Services & Commercial Executive and assists with the delivery of the LMA Member Services Programme as well as the Commercial Programme and Partnership Network.
Having completed his apprenticeship at Luton Town FC, Mark decided to go to the University of Derby to study a BA in Creative Writing. After graduating in 2012, Mark became heavily involved in the administration of University sport leading to his election as Student Director of British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS), a one year non-executive position on the BUCS Board.
Mark still plays non-league football, although his box to box days are long behind him.
Rebecca Gentle - Head of Member Services & Women's Football
Rebecca joined the LMA in July 2016 as Member Services Executive.
After graduating from Loughborough University with a Sport Management degree, Rebecca spent 5 years working in the travel industry with TUI Travel, organising worldwide sports trips for amateur clubs and schools.
Rebecca also volunteered at various sports events, the highlight being the London 2012 Olympics, where she worked in the Athlete’s Village and Aquatics Centre and has played Superleague Netball for Loughborough Lightning, Surrey Storm and Wasps.
Georgina Smith - Events and Partnerships Manager
Georgina joined the LMA in January 2022 and is responsible for the delivery of the LMA’s events, as well as working with the commercial partners to deliver their rights.
Georgina’s background is in events, having graduated with an Events Management degree, before going on to work in event roles at Nottingham Forest, Leicester City Football Club and British Swimming prior to starting at the LMA.
Georgina has a passion for sport, and achieved a black belt in Taekwondo at a young age. She has more recently taken up running, and, after successfully completing a handful of Half Marathons she is working towards taking on a full marathon.
Nick Allsop - Partnerships Manager
Nick joined the LMA in January 2023 as Partnerships Manager and will be working closely with our commercial partners to create bespoke partnerships, deliver activations and maintain successful commercial partnerships.
On completion of graduating with a Masters in Sports Marketing, Nick has gone on to work in partnerships roles at both Sale Sharks from the rugby world and most recently at Castore where he oversaw their Cricket accounts which included the likes of England Cricket and South Africa Cricket. Outside of work Nick plays rugby in the National leagues and against his wish has recently taken up running with his fiancé.
Ian Cherry - Brand & Design Manager
Ian joined the LMA in September 2021 as Brand & Design Manager.
After graduating from the University of Derby in Visual Communication: Graphic Design, he joined Sporting iD, working with some of the biggest clubs, brands, and organisations globally in sport, predominantly football. The highlight of his time there involved designing and marketing typography on player and replica shirts for Real Madrid, Manchester United and PSV Eindhoven.
Ian then worked at Derby County for 5 years, overseeing all design and branding within the club and its venues. During his time there he implemented a soft rebrand that enhanced and progressed the brand’s visual identity and developed a culture of high design standards across the organisation. As Graphic Design & Brand Manager he also built and managed a small in-house Design Team to further grow the club’s design capabilities.
Away from work, he was a keen footballer until injury cut short his playing days, and he now focusses on cricket where he plays in the Derbyshire League.
Sophie Cliff - Member Services Executive
Sophie joined the LMA in November 2020 as a Member Services Executive.
After graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University with a Masters in Coaching and Sports Development, she spent a year teaching at the University, before taking a full time role at Brookes Sport and for the last 8 years Sophie has been working primarily within in the world of Golf; organising events, players and corporate partners around the world.
Sophie was also a keen Hockey player having played to senior International level for Wales. However, she now spends her time away from the office competing with her horse.
Natalie Bowles - Member Services Executive
Natalie joined the LMA in November 2022 as Member Services Executive.
After graduating from Swansea University in Business Management, Natalie continued her studies with The Football Business Academy and received a Professional Masters in Football Business Management. Through this course, she worked with the Irish FA’s Communications team in the build up to the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 and Grupo Desportivo Estoril Praia to enhance fan engagement and community outreach.
Natalie has previously worked as a dance and English teacher.
Emma Causer - Office Administrator
Emma initially joined the LMA as Member Services Executive in July 2012. Following the arrival of her second son in 2013 Emma took a career break, but returned to the LMA in the spring of 2016 as Office Administrator. Emma's role provides support to the office which includes events preparation, member communications, the administration of the CPFMA course and subscription renewals.
Previously Emma spent 10 years in the horse racing industry, both at racecourse and head office level. She held a number of posts, including racecourse marketing manager, commercial executive and events executive.
Away from the office Emma is a keen fundraiser for the Children's Ward at Queens hospital, a darts player and heavily involved in the local bowls team.
ADDRESS:
League Managers Association
St George's Park
Newborough Road
Needwood
Burton on Trent
Staffs
DE13 9PD
PHONE
01283 576350
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