Dennis Wise on His Football Journey: From Crazy Gang to Como Leadership
Dennis Wise, the former footballer and manager, has opened up about his remarkable career, reflecting on his early days with Wimbledon's infamous Crazy Gang, his time at Chelsea, and his recent executive role at Italian club Como. In an exclusive interview, Wise delves into the lessons learned from iconic coaches and his own managerial experiences.
Learning from Dave Bassett and the Crazy Gang Era
As a young player, Wise faced doubts about his abilities, but Wimbledon manager Dave Bassett saw potential in him. Bassett provided that crucial opportunity, impressing Wise with his innovative approach to team structure. Wise recalls that Bassett was ahead of his time in areas like regains, percentages, and strategic throws.
"He was a long way in front of a lot of others," Wise notes, suggesting that Bassett's unconventional style sometimes overshadowed his tactical genius. At Wimbledon, Wise learned the value of organisation and exploiting weaknesses, exemplified by their 1988 FA Cup final victory over Liverpool. The team utilised long throws from Vinnie Jones and packed areas to outnumber opponents, scoring numerous goals from second balls.
Influences from Terry Venables and Luca Vialli
Wise also highlights the impact of other coaches, including Terry Venables, who selected him for England. Venables was praised for his educated coaching methods and clear explanations of different systems. At Chelsea, Gianluca Vialli stood out for his personality and precise thinking about the game.
"All three had things I took into my own management," Wise says, embracing the idea that coaches borrow elements to forge their own identities. This philosophy shaped his transition to management, beginning with his unexpected appointment as player-manager at Millwall in 2003.
Unexpected Management Start at Millwall
Wise's managerial career began abruptly when he heard on the radio that he had been appointed Millwall's player-manager, without prior consultation from chairman Theo Paphitis. Initially concerned about replacing Mark McGhee, Wise was reassured that McGhee had recommended him based on his leadership in the dressing room.
Without a coaching badge, Wise enlisted Ray Wilkins as his assistant and quickly adapted to the role. He learned that coaching licenses provide a foundation, but practical experience is key. At Millwall, he implemented a diamond formation suited to the squad, leading the team to an FA Cup final and European qualification for the first time in the club's history.
Challenges and Successes at Swindon and Leeds
After spells at Southampton and Coventry, Wise returned to management with Swindon Town in League Two, assisted by Gus Poyet. Training in a local park, they applied insights from Chelsea's fitness coach Antonio Pintus to build a professional yet fun environment. This success attracted attention from Leeds United, where Wise took over amid financial turmoil and a points deduction.
At Leeds, he cut the wage bill from £14.4 million to under £4 million and led the team to a strong start in League One before departing for Newcastle in an executive role. Wise admits this move was a mistake, as he regrets not finishing the job at Leeds.
Executive Role at Como and Beyond
In 2019, Wise joined Italian club Como, initially as a consultant before becoming CEO and president. He oversaw significant improvements, including securing a training ground and rebuilding the academy. Under his leadership, Como achieved promotion to Serie B in 2021 and Serie A in 2024, though he later stepped aside due to disagreements over financial direction.
Today, Wise contributes to football education through roles with FIFA's Club Management and Players Executive Programmes. He also collaborates on fashion initiatives like the FIFA 1904 line, emphasising the transferable skills between football and other industries. "You should never stop learning and pushing yourself," he concludes, looking forward to future endeavours.
