It’s been a pretty busy time, so we had to wait a little to close Rob’s Marathon interview! And there it is…
Fram: What is your best memory – the thing you’re proudest of?
Rob Owen: The thing I’m proudest of is getting the most out of players.
That might mean taking Jamie Haycocks from 95 to 50.
It might mean the experience with Joel Makin, who desperately wanted to play full-time but didn’t seem, at first, to have the necessary ability. There were hidden abilities in him. Seeing where Joel got to, and seeing how he plays now, makes me proud. People may think Joel and I didn’t get on particularly well, but I have a lot of time for him. I loved that journey.
Getting Paul to number one in the world and seeing him win the British Open was probably one of the best experiences of my life. It’s an experience money cannot buy.
Nele reaching four in the world was extraordinary. SJ at 5. Jonah getting to 10 at the age of 20 and improving all the time.
There are literally too many to mention them all…
Then there are the young players I’ve coached from the age of 10, 11 or 12, such as Sam Osborne-Wyle and Jonah. I love coaching juniors. Watching the journey from junior to an adult player is phenomenal, and I’ve got more young players coming through now.
Also, I’m proud of the fact I’ve never changed who I am. I am self-aware and thus honest with myself and stuck to my principles in life.
I’m also proud of the fun we’ve had: days out, learning about each player and getting to know the person away from the squash court. Most of them are good guys and good girls.
I’ve met fantastic people through squash. That’s why I feel lucky…
And to finish…
Fram: How do you see the future of squash?
The Olympics are coming. Imagine if something terrible happened there because of someone’s behaviour – it would be a disaster. We’re talking about the future of the game, and players such as Asal, Jonah and Zakaria will be part of that future for a long time, whether people like it or not.
I would ask them: how do you want to be remembered?
James Willstrop is remembered very fondly. He played beautiful squash and conducted himself properly. He left a legacy that won’t be forgotten. He wasn’t the most successful player in terms of major titles – he didn’t win the British Open or the World Open – but he may be remembered more warmly than people who did. He’ll be loved for the way he played and behaved. I imagine his dad would be very proud of that.
We are in the entertainment business, and players sometimes forget that. They live in a goldfish bowl; squash can be claustrophobic and selfish. But they need to see the bigger picture, because the sport is bigger than any individual.
Fram: Thoughts about players’ parents?
Rob: Parents are important.
I try to help the parents and make them understand how their children should behave. The parents must be respectful. I won’t tolerate parents shouting and hollering; if they do, they aren’t allowed to watch. It’s that simple.
My son played squash and was number two in the country at one point. He was a good player, but he was also the hardest person for me to coach because I was too emotionally involved. I had to step away and let somebody else deal with him.
Parents have to step away and focus on being a good mum or dad not a squash coach. There are numerous examples of this failing miserably.
Fram: Last words?
Rob: Well, let me ask a question? What is a good coach?
You have to be willing to look at the evidence. If everybody you coach gets worse, you’re doing something wrong. If half your players improve and half get worse, perhaps some things are right and others aren’t working. If everyone improves, you’re doing a lot right across different kinds of players and personalities.
I try and be self-aware so I am very critical of myself.
I will talk to anybody. I like meeting different people; I’m interested in people. Here, the tour can feel very businesslike.
I think some coaches encourage the ‘team’ bubble because they want to keep players close and are afraid of losing them. I couldn’t care less if Paul wants to go and talk to another coach or player – he might learn something. Perhaps some coaches keep players close to their chest, because it’s natural to be scared they’d leave.
Personally, I’d quite like to lose a few players. I’ve got too many! Coaching ten players is bloody hard work – it’s a pain in the arse.
My players will be delighted to hear that…
