Preparation, attention to detail and team spirit, these seem to be the key ideals that makeup the man now responsible for changing the face of the men’s game in Britain.
These characteristics spell a man who is willing to work tireless to drive through success, a winner who plays from the book.
Leon Smith, 34, comes from the Sir Clive Woodward school of thought, yet his lack of playing experience may hinder him, his qualifications as a coach make the Scot more than a worthy candidate for the role or should I say roles.
Many were surprised when the Lawn Tennis Association plucked the fresh faced Smith from head of player development, to take on the post as head of men’s tennis, while also being selected as Davis Cup captain but as we have seen from the result this week it could well be a risk well taken.
In some ways Smith has nothing to lose, with the finger being permanently pointed at Chief Executive Roger Draper for the current state of the game, but Smith refuses to simply sit back and let things continue.
“I cannot be tied at a desk at Roehampton. I have got to get out and see these guys compete and this is what I have done since I have got the job. I have been out and about spending a lot of time on the road with these guys.” said Smith.
This determination to get out has the potential to generate success for British tennis, which needs as much help as it can get at the moment.
Although at a relatively young age at 34 his passion and youthful exuberance seems to be having a positive influence already.
Karen Ross, Tennis Scotland performance co-ordinator, who worked with the talented coach told the Scottish Herald: “A lot of it is the art of coaching and being able to relate to players, and Leon is extremely good at that.”
These characteristics spell a man who is willing to work tireless to drive through success, a winner who plays from the book.
Leon Smith, 34, comes from the Sir Clive Woodward school of thought, yet his lack of playing experience may hinder him, his qualifications as a coach make the Scot more than a worthy candidate for the role or should I say roles.
Many were surprised when the Lawn Tennis Association plucked the fresh faced Smith from head of player development, to take on the post as head of men’s tennis, while also being selected as Davis Cup captain but as we have seen from the result this week it could well be a risk well taken.
In some ways Smith has nothing to lose, with the finger being permanently pointed at Chief Executive Roger Draper for the current state of the game, but Smith refuses to simply sit back and let things continue.
“I cannot be tied at a desk at Roehampton. I have got to get out and see these guys compete and this is what I have done since I have got the job. I have been out and about spending a lot of time on the road with these guys.” said Smith.
This determination to get out has the potential to generate success for British tennis, which needs as much help as it can get at the moment.
Although at a relatively young age at 34 his passion and youthful exuberance seems to be having a positive influence already.
Karen Ross, Tennis Scotland performance co-ordinator, who worked with the talented coach told the Scottish Herald: “A lot of it is the art of coaching and being able to relate to players, and Leon is extremely good at that.”
Andy Murray’s mother, Judy Murray was one of the first to take a shine to the Glaswegian whilst he was working for Tennis Scotland as she first made him a hitting partner for her 10-year-old son and then in the end a mentor for the future world no4.
Smith played a decisive role in Murray’s development through his early teenage years and has also had a hand in the development of many other Scottish players, such as Colin Fleming and Jamie Baker.
Baker has known Smith since he was around 8-years-old but it is only now that he has began to work directly and spoke highly of his style of coaching.
“I can say that the preparation towards the week has been firstly class, said the Scot.
“He is very, very meticulous, a lot of attention to detail, every think is thought out. I think every practice day had been planned way in advanced of us getting here. I actually like that for a team environment because with that you also put in the appropriate amount of man management, he is not just saying this is what we are doing end of conversation he is saying this is what I would like to do... what are your thoughts?”
His influence on the side has so far been infectious and it was clear on Saturday that simply winning was not enough, he wants to gather a momentum of positivity, which means finishing a job off in style.
After James Ward completed the whitewash Smith said: “We spoke about wanting to get 5-0 because I think it sends the right message out and we wanted to keep that professionalism and finish the weekend in that way and they did that very well.”
Again Smith does not see this as a cause to sit back and celebrate, it is just the start of something encouraging that can hopefully cause a positive feeling which can reverberate across British tennis.
This man means business and like Sir Clive is not satisfied until the true rewards come to light and that means making players become winners.
His influence on the side has so far been infectious and it was clear on Saturday that simply winning was not enough, he wants to gather a momentum of positivity, which means finishing a job off in style.
After James Ward completed the whitewash Smith said: “We spoke about wanting to get 5-0 because I think it sends the right message out and we wanted to keep that professionalism and finish the weekend in that way and they did that very well.”
Again Smith does not see this as a cause to sit back and celebrate, it is just the start of something encouraging that can hopefully cause a positive feeling which can reverberate across British tennis.
This man means business and like Sir Clive is not satisfied until the true rewards come to light and that means making players become winners.
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