The Sport Psych Show #335 Dave Webb - Preparing for the Pressure of Tournament Play
Jan 19, 2026
Dave Webb, a seasoned football manager and coach with over 20 years in elite football, shares insights from his journey as Georgia's National Team Assistant Manager. He highlights how sport psychology informs recruitment, emphasizing character and self-regulation in players. Webb discusses tactics for preparing teams under pressure, using cross-sport examples to build belief and identity. He reflects on past successes and challenges, aiming to shape the future of football in Georgia while pursuing his ambitions as a top club head coach.
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Psychology As A Career Backbone
- Dave Webb says his master's in sport psychology provided a constant strand across recruitment, coaching and leadership roles.
- Understanding the human element helped him manage departments and lead more effectively.
Assess Environment Before Signing
- Start recruitment by mapping the player's current environment and the club environment they're joining.
- Use a short checklist of key character traits and plan support for adaptation before buying a player.
Prioritise Few Key Traits
- Use two to three core character traits as recruitment priorities and accept others can be developed.
- Present character findings alongside football data to justify transfer decisions to owners and coaches.