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I then conducted a question and answer session with David. Whilst introducing David, I pointed out that it was the first time that a former Premier League manager had visited BNU and joked that it must also be the first time that a Watford fan has conducted a Q and A with a former Luton manager, which in view of the bitter rivalry between the two clubs, some Watford fans, would regard me as a 'heretic,' for doing so.

The Q&A was wide ranging with such questions as to what it is like to work with Lord Alan Sugar, Mauricio Pochettino, and Jose Mourinho; where did his love of football come from; and who were the most technically gifted players that he has managed, one of whom was Glenn Hoddle, former player and manager of both Tottenham and England. He was also asked what he remembers most about the 1987 FA Cup final, as Spurs reached the final that year, whom he managed at the time and which Spurs ultimately lost to Coventry City 3-2 in extra time.  He joked, "what cup final?" The pain from losing that cup final is still with him. "I will have to live with that loss, for the rest of my life," he exclaimed. Staff and students alike had the opportunity to ask David questions from the floor, including about how to  manage ill- disciplined players. As an appreciation of his visit to the university, he was given a BNU mug and tie.

Attendees' Perspectives

Dr Abbie Fordham Barnes, Dean of Health and Society (Interim), College of Health and Society said:  “It was fascinating listening to David’s memories of the 1987 Cup Final ‘you win, you lose, there were heights of excitement, and you came down very quickly too.’  I valued David’s reflections of managing challenges and disappointments, to ‘continue to work hard and always have self-belief.’  Great advice."   

PHD student, Sonja Cimelli stated: "As a lifelong Nottingham Forest fan and knowing that David Pleat started his football career with the club, it was such a pleasure to meet him and hear about his career journey. It was fascinating to gain an insight into the world of professional football, from an insider’s perspective, and particularly how much he valued good character in those he worked with. I am now very much looking forward to reading his autobiography.”

Manuel Nuchi Olivera, a third year student in Football Development and Performance, with aspirations to become a football coach, described the Q and A as one of the highlights of his time at BNU. "I was amazed by his love and knowledge of the game, but also by the humility and warmth with which he shared his experiences. The more we talked, the more, I realised how deeply rooted he is in English football. What I took away most was his passion, not just for the sport itself, but for the people in it. It gave me a richer sense of how much thought and care goes into managing both teams and individuals."

Senior lecturer and Luton fan Gary Emmins said: "I found the talk with David Pleat an enjoyable peek behind the curtain of the life and times of a legendary football manager.  Apart from being highly engaging and entertaining, it showed us the man behind the headlines and his passion for the beautiful game."

The Q&A was a resounding success and vindicated what Lord Alan Sugar has written about David Pleat: "David's broad knowledge, experience and understanding of the game rightly gives him the title Mr Football.” And above all, what shone throughout the Q & A, were the words of Sir Alex Ferguson, former manager of Manchester United who said: “David Pleat’s life will be always be committed to the love of our game.”