A powerhouse forward who was nicknamed the 'Chief' in his playing days, Wayne Allison is now eager to take a similar leading role in the coaching world.

Allison, who made his name at Bristol City before enjoying two incredible Cup runs with Sheffield United, has started working towards his UEFA Pro Licence and says that qualifications are hugely important for anyone who wants to become a coach.

Speaking exclusively to TheFA.com, Allison said: "It is well worth doing all the coaching badges available, because you do learn about the structures and processes of making players better.

"If you look at the Italians, the Dutch and the Spanish, they have a lot of emphasis put on coach education It takes a long haul to complete the courses, but you have go to school and you have to learn.

"Why not? It will only stand in good stead for the future to have it. Everything is relevent to football, and every module you do will give you a better understanding of the game."

As someone who began his playing days in the late 80s with Halifax, Allison has seen sweeping changes in football and says the progress is becoming ever more rapid.

"It has changed a great deal. The type of player has changed, and coaching has had to evolve with it," Allison admitted.

"There are different ideas and different techniques that coaches can employ just to get the maximum out of players, people talk about systems and what they can do, but systems have always been there.

"It's a different mindset, they have a different take or variation on how things are played. I suppose the influx of the foreign coaches really brought those ideas into play in this country."

Having learned from a number of different coaches during his playing days, Allison then took time once he finished playing to visit a number of clubs and learn from some of the finest coaches in the game.

"I've been in the fortunate position to be able to go around to a number of clubs in recent seasons and see how they do things," Allison explained.

"I've been to Middlesbrough, to Everton, Preston, Tranmere, Crewe and see what good coaching is. The good coaches make it look incredibly easy, but they've all got a lot of experience. So I've picked up a lot of ideas and tips on their attention to detail, to the information they give their players, as well as the sessions.

"Watching how they coach, how they behave, trying to get some ideas and some feedback on how they're doing things.

"That has been absolutely fantastic for me, and I have learn't a hell of a lot. I think that's how you do learn in many ways - by watching others."

Finally, Allison has one word to describe his football philosophy: "Effective. In one word that is the best way to explain it.

"Different situations call for different styles of play, and I think adaptabililty is always a good word.

"If you can adapt to any situation then you have the perfect team, one that can play direct when it needs to be direct, or short when that is what is needed.

"I think if the players can recognise when to do it and when not to do it, then that's half the battle.

"I think that's borne with having brighter players, and keeping them involved with different styles and systems, and getting them aware of how you play."