Alex Revell Draws Inspiration from Diverse Fields to Manage Pressure in Football
Engaging with bomb disposal experts may not be the first thought for someone planning a promotion challenge, but for Stevenage manager Alex Revell, it is essential for preparing to handle the pressures of football management.
The 42-year-old Revell sought insights from emergency service personnel and even the Red Arrows while pursuing his UEFA Pro License. His focus was on understanding pressure management, a skill he has had to develop as the manager of Stevenage, who currently sit fourth in League One after winning five of their first six matches.
“I spoke to someone who had served in Afghanistan, where one of his best friends stood on a landmine while he was trying to deactivate a bomb on the roadside,” shared Revell, who concluded his playing career with Stevenage in 2019. “I also learned from the Red Arrows about the critical nature of their close formations; if one person makes a wrong decision, it can have serious consequences.”
Revell expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with professionals in high-stakes environments. “I wanted to explore the factors influencing decision-making under pressure, particularly in life-or-death situations. Bomb disposal, for instance, involves critical choices between red, blue, or green wires. These experts possess a profound confidence in their abilities and adhere to strict processes that aid them in high-pressure scenarios.”
“This experience provided me with a remarkable perspective on those who confront life-and-death situations daily. In football, the stakes can feel similar due to the constant pressure of winning and losing.”
Revell emphasized the importance of resilience in football management. “After losing a game, how do we recover? How do we maintain leadership during turbulent times or calm moments?”
The Revell household is no stranger to pressure, with Alex managing a football club at the top of League One and his wife Julia working as a neonatologist at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge. “She cares for extremely premature babies, and her work is remarkable, providing me with invaluable perspective,” he said. “When she comes home to our two boys, it reminds me of the life-and-death nature of her job and the difficult conversations she faces. She has taught me a lot.”
Revell is currently in his second term as manager at the Lamex Stadium, having previously led the team for 21 months during the coronavirus pandemic. He took over as caretaker in February 2020, just before the lockdown, and guided Stevenage to safety in League Two after the season was cut short and positions were determined on a points-per-game basis. Initially finishing last, the team survived when Macclesfield received a four-point deduction.
After leaving in November 2021, Revell was reappointed in May 2022 following Steve Evans' departure. He had been part of Evans' staff that achieved promotion from League Two in 2023, recognizing his growth in leadership. “That was on me; I didn’t lead effectively and ensure everyone understood my expectations. Now, they are fully aware of what is needed,” he stated.
With a more experienced approach, Revell has Stevenage competing at the top of the table and was nominated for League One’s Manager of the Month for August, an award ultimately won by Cardiff’s Brian Barry-Murphy. Looking ahead, Revell believes his squad has the potential to reach the Championship, a feat the club has never achieved, having come close in 2012.
“Why not? Other teams like Orient and Wycombe have come close. We want to create something special this season. What that entails will only be revealed in May, but we are determined to make it happen,” he concluded.