Bobby Williamson

Former Kilmarnock and Hibs manager Bobby Williamson is now managing in the heart of Africa as national manager of Uganda.  Scott Johnston, the editor of thefootyblog.net catches up with him in the heart of Africa. This is what he had to say.

Africa as a whole can seem quite an intimidating place for a lot of people, what made you feel comfortable about taking the Uganda job?

BW: It takes a while to get used to Uganda but this is what I do for a living and I did not want to be out the game to long. It was and still is a huge challenge but an extremely rewarding one.

How do you find the differences between club and international management? Would you fancy a return to club management?

BW: I really enjoy international management. Who knows what’s ahead for anyone? If I think a player is disruptive I wont select him! At club level he could be around for a long time.

What are the conditions like in Uganda?

BW: The climate is great, conditions are poor but the players are poor but the players adapt to them. Also short of equipment, balls, bibs and so on.

Do you feel that more Ugandan players could play in Europe? Are you putting together an infrastructure at youth level that you hope means more of the younger players get the chance at European Football?

BW: Most definitely, just need to get our ranking higher and they can achieve their dreams.

Does the Ugandan Super League compete well with the English Premier League in terms of local support?

BW: No it doesn’t! Ugandans would rather watch the English Premiership than the Ugandan Super League which is sad as its entertaining.

Have you looked into having any link ups with the SFA in terms of friendlies, youth matches or coaching trips?

BW: No it would be far too expensive and not feasible.

After the successful last two East & Central African Cup victories & a fantastic start to your African Nations Cup campaign, do you think qualification for that tournament is possible?

BW: Yes I do we have a lot of good players and with more belief and confidence, we can achieve.

Is the World Cup 2014 an achievable goal for Uganda?

BW: Yes it is. Our players are good enough.

What do miss about Scotland and Scottish football?

BW: Don’t miss much apart from family and friends and maybe a few managers and coaches.

Do you feel you got an unfair crack of the whip in England? In terms of budgets?

BW: Plymouth was hard to take as I achieved what the board were asking from me. We were never in the bottom three in my time there. Now they have dropped out of the Championship. As for Chester things started great. Confidence and morale was high. Until everyone was transfer listed without me knowing and wages started to get paid late. Some players put the tools away I’m afraid.

Do you feel with your international experience that you could become Scotland boss one day?

BW: I don’t feel there is a club or country I am not capable of managing. Though the England job is an impossible one. I enjoy working for the Ugandan people. It would take a fantastic offer and challenge for me to be enticed to leave these people.

Should more Scottish coaches follow your example and look for work outside the UK?

BW: If they are out of work then I would say yes! Go abroad and broaden your horizons. It has been life changing for me and made me a better person and coach.

Williamson is now out of contract with the Ugandan National side and Ghana are rumoured to be targeting the Scot, who has won two African trophies and taken Uganda to an all-time FIFA high of 63.

A big thank you to Bobby for taking the time to answer my questions. All the best to him.

First Published in Issue 2.1 of The 12th Man Scottish Football fanzine