Ask Wenger what he did during the 03/04 invincible season and he will be able to tell you session by session, game by game. He was meticulous with his notes and planning and it laid the foundations for a feat which has yet to be matched in the English game. Being able to refer back to tactical notes and quotes that motivate certain players when they need to be lifted is essential. Without a planner on the touchline, your coaching staff is at an instant disadvantage. 

Each page has plenty of space to sketch out tactical tweaks and new formations so you know when to switch throughout the game. Got a 1-0 lead with 10 minutes to go? Flick back a couple of pages and see who needs to be subbed so that you can put more fight into the midfield. You’ll also know when to do it so that you get the most out of the legs you have on the pitch. You’re now all set up to close out the game and crush the opposition. 

Taking your training sessions seriously isn’t always about shouting the loudest and barking orders. Calm coaches like Southgate take notes, make time to reflect on them, and then get results. You could follow in his illustrious footsteps by making sure that every thought and revelation you have is carefully catalogued in your notebook.  

Coaching is about making sure that every player can fulfil their potential, regardless of what their individual ability may be. You can note down what they need to work on and then offer individual advice so that the whole team grows stronger. 

Essential Tool: Making notes is the best way to think about the finer points of the game. 

More Focused Coaching: All of the greats of the game were meticulous notetakers. 

Tactical Genius: Manage the biggest game of the season so that the opposition never gets a kick of the ball.