Reflecting on your tenure at FCB Magpies so far, you have secured trophies and achieved significant results in European competitions. From an outsider’s perspective, the progress has been extraordinary. How proud are you of the impact you’ve made and the journey so far?
“The speed and growth have been remarkable, with back-to-back progress every season. When I first arrived, just under three years ago, I didn’t have the immediate opportunity to fully implement my philosophy. Initially, it was about getting in, delivering results, and improving the squad’s fitness over the Christmas period, which we achieved. We then went on a 10-11 game winning streak without dropping any points, and confidence really began to build.
“Looking back, we reached our first Rock Cup final and lost in the last minute to Lincoln. However, that game brought out fans from across the country, and from that moment, I think both my own approach and the team’s attitude really started to turn heads.
“Our growth has been organic—achieved with the same budget, the same group, and the same staff. We haven’t invested heavily, but we’ve maintained the underdog mentality, and it’s taken us far. Now, with two trophies to the club’s name, it’s become a more attractive destination for players. Our wins in Europe have also raised our profile significantly. What started as a project has evolved into a growth journey, and I’m incredibly proud. I hope this trajectory continues well into the future.”
Your results in European competitions have been particularly impressive. Given that you’re often seen as the underdog in these fixtures, how do you approach preparation for European matches?
“Absolutely, we’re the underdog, but that’s largely due to the level of our league. If I had six or seven weeks to prepare for every opponent, the margins would naturally become much closer. After Christmas and the second transfer window, we did experience a dip in form. However, we chose to maintain the core group because we trusted in what they had already achieved. I’d much rather continue with that mentality than bring in an entirely new set of players who don’t understand our history or our focus.
“In preparation for the Derry game this summer, we had eight full weeks. Derry, being mid-season, may have had some fatigue or simply less time to focus on us. From the moment the UEFA draw was announced, we concentrated entirely on that one opponent. We had a clear game plan, full fitness, and complete focus on that match. Of course, we also had a few tactical surprises in store, and we managed the conditions exceptionally well in the first leg.”
Your coaching journey so far has been remarkable, particularly with the success you’ve achieved in Gibraltar. However, you also bring a wealth of experience from your time in the Football League with clubs like Blackburn, Fleetwood, Crawley, and Carlisle.
Despite being considered a young coach, you’ve amassed significant experience. How have these varied roles shaped your development as a coach, and how do you draw on that experience in your current position?
“Absolutely, on paper I’m a young coach — I’ve just turned 35 — and while many young managers are getting their breaks now, I wouldn’t consider myself inexperienced by any means. I’ve got 17, 18, nearly 20 years of experience behind me.
“Since I didn’t play professionally, I’ve dedicated all my time and energy to the coaching side of the game. As a result, I’ve encountered a vast array of tactical scenarios and made countless in-game decisions, likely more than many others, simply due to the sheer amount of time I’ve spent in various coaching roles. My years as an assistant were invaluable, teaching me what works and what doesn’t in a dressing room.
“When the opportunity to become a head coach overseas came along, it just felt like the right time to take that step. The learning curve has been immense, especially given the quality of coaches we have in the dressing room, but my previous experiences — working with foreign managers like Gabriele Cioffi at Crawley or Steven Pressley at Fleetwood and Carlisle — really helped me adapt quickly.
“I’ve also had the privilege of working with coaches like Uwe Rösler at Fleetwood, and that international, European perspective on the game has made it much easier to settle in here. I continually draw from those experiences, and they’ll remain valuable as I progress in my career.”
You’ve clearly enjoyed great success in Gibraltar, and your achievements speak for themselves. However, in recent years, you’ve been linked with several opportunities in the UK. Looking ahead, is a return to the UK something you’re actively considering as part of your long-term career plans?
“Yes, absolutely. I’m nearing the final stages of my contract here, and it’s been an incredible three years. I believe I’ve demonstrated my ability to manage a long-term project, while also showing that I can successfully take on short-term roles when needed.
“I’ve been linked with a few League Two positions and top-end National League jobs, and there have been discussions about opportunities higher up the footballing pyramid in various leagues. I’ve shown a great deal of loyalty to this club, and I think that level of commitment will certainly appeal to other chairmen and owners across the football world.”
Finally, Nathan, your coaching style demonstrates an adaptability. While you generally adopt an attacking approach in league matches, you’ve shown a capacity to adjust your tactics for European competitions. How important is adaptability to your philosophy as a coach?
“Absolutely. We also engage in numerous international friendlies, allowing us to face teams like Como last year, featuring Cesc Fàbregas, and other teams from Portugal . This gives us the opportunity to temporarily set aside our attacking style and concentrate on refining our defensive shape.
“In terms of our style, we are very aggressive and employ a high press, and we’ve maintained rigorous pre-seasons since my arrival. However, adaptability is crucial; for instance, when we had only five or six days to prepare for our trip to Ireland for the Derry game. The same situation arose with Crusaders in my first year and again before the Copenhagen leg.
“We recognised the need to respect our opponents while also striving to perform in the right manner. In the Copenhagen match, we managed to take a 1-0 lead at 43 minutes away from home against their strongest lineup, which I’m extremely proud of.
“The key to our success lies in instilling confidence in the players and showing them that I believe in our game plan. We’ve evolved from being the underdog, often pinned back, to a team that commands 70% possession, as opponents now respect our capabilities. In European competition, we’ve had to seamlessly blend both styles.
“With years of studying the game and having navigated high-pressure situations as an assistant, where my role was often to help maintain a manager’s position, I take great pride in my coaching philosophy. However, I always prioritise understanding our opponent, and that focus shapes the way I build our game plans.”
Featured image courtesy of and credited to Neil Wilson.
Callum McFadden 