Former footballer and Team Bath FC manager Paul Tisdale’s exceptional contribution to the sport has been formally recognised with an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Bath.
As head coach of Team Bath FC, Paul led his side to the first round of the FA Cup in the 2002/03 season, which was the first time a university team had reached that stage of the competition since 1881.
Bath awards honorary fellowships to individuals who have made a significant impact in their field and have a strong affiliation with the University.
A big impact on football in the region
Now Head of Football Operations at Celtic FC, Paul’s career as both a player and a manager has often been linked to the South West.
After spells as a player with Bristol City, Yeovil Town and Exeter City, he graduated to full-time management.
He spent 12 successful years as manager of Exeter City and was fundamental in building one of the English Football League’s most sustainable clubs during his tenure. At the time of his departure, Paul was the longest serving manager in the top four divisions of the game in England, having spent 12 years in charge of the Devon club.
Speaking about his honorary fellowship, Paul said:
I am delighted to receive my honorary title from the University of Bath. I would not have progressed into a coaching career if it were not for the opportunity I was afforded at Bath.
I consider my time at the University to be the perfect ‘coaching apprenticeship’, working alongside elite coaches from different sports, whilst learning about the benefits of analytics and sports science.
Most of all, my time at Bath helped me recognise the hugely positive influence a conducive environment can have on the development of a young sportsperson.
Speaking about Paul, Dr Anthony Bush from Bath’s Department for Health said:
With the average English football manager’s length of service being around one year, it is testament to Paul’s expertise, ability to innovate his practice and manage a multiplicity of complex relationships that he has had such longevity in the technical area.
Placing the athlete at the centre of his practice has enabled Paul to have success on the field, but for me it is witnessing the considerable impact of the alumni from the football programme which emphasises his outstanding contribution to the vision of the University.
We look forward to continuing our relationship with Paul to further the general mission of the University.
Paul started his footballing journey with Southampton, representing the Saints in the Premier League. He also spent time playing in Greece and Finland.
His coaching career began with Team Bath in 1999 and ended in 2022 with a spell at Stevenage.