Neville Taylor

My early athletic career began as a sprinter. I gradually moved up in distance, was mainly carried out on the black cinder track at Battersea Park.
There I was able to meet Franz Stampfl a charismatic character of Austrian birth.
Franz would regularly say” you must be strong “and “don’t neglect pace.” This has remained with me into my coaching.

I have been coaching a number of sports for almost 50 years.
Taking athletes at grass level through to international status
This includes a World Champion and Olympic medalist Wendy Sly.

The coaches that have mainly influenced my practical coaching philosophy
are Franz Stampfl, as mentioned, Arthur Lydiard and Harry Wilson.
These world class coaches confirmed the need for both psychological and physical preparation to be successful.
I believe it is imperative to coach the whole person and their wellbeing
I continue to acquire more knowledge by keeping an open mind.
Always looking, listening and learning to improve.