Southampton FC boss Nathan Jones is vocal about his faith in God.,,,
New Premier League boss Nathan Jones loves to display his faith – and he’s even happier to talk about it.
Jones, 49, who took over as manager of Southampton in November, has several Christian tattoos, with praying hands and the crucifixion on his left biceps and forearm, Jesus on his right biceps, and Michaelangelo’s ‘The Creation of Adam’ across his back.
Along with showing it, he’ll tell anyone the importance of his beliefs, including at press conferences, and he often appends “God willing” to the hope his football tactics work.
Jones, a former left-back and midfielder who managed Luton Town and Stoke City before taking the St Mary’s hotseat, sees his faith as central to his life in an industry loaded with lures.
“It keeps you grounded,” he says of his Christianity. “There’s a lot of temptations, a lot of pitfalls nowadays, especially for a sportsman – and I think through God’s guidance I’ve been able to steer clear of them.”
It’s served him well during a management career – after playing for clubs including Brighton, Southend and Yeovil – that saw him welcomed back like a prodigal son for a second stint as Luton boss.
It followed an ill-fated, ten-month reign at Stoke City before his Hatters return increased his management stock even further, as he saved them from relegation then led the team to their highest points tally since 1982. Leading the modest Kenilworth Road outfit to the brink of the Premier League by reaching the play-offs last season prompted Southampton’s interest.
He credits his faith with a large role in his management success, telling the BBC: “I have a philosophy of the way I do things that is deep-rooted within me. It stems from my upbringing, my Christian faith, and my beliefs in football – all of those values I put into management.
“I let God guide my life because he’s done a wonderful job for me. Too many things have happened to me in my career for it not to be God’s will. It’s brilliant to have God on your side.”
It will be more success, rather than an Almighty miracle, if Jones keeps struggling Southampton in England’s top flight this season. Whatever happens, he’ll rely on God.
“The Scriptures have helped me and I find strength every day for the pressures of the job, which as a footballer are high just to maintain standards, but nothing prepares you as a manager – not if you want to be successful.
From New Life Newspaper issue 339
