Dave Bell on coaching in Italy and coping with serious illness
Former Republic of Ireland U17 manager Dave Bell. Picture: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
After a life-changing experience, former Cork FAI Development Officer Dave Bell has now a different perspective.
His focus is to enjoy every day doing what he loves best and that is coaching football.
A popular and beloved coach during his time in Cork, he recently took on a new role as manager of the Como 1907 women's team with his aim to take them all the way to Serie A.
Here he tells us about life in Italy and how football helped him through the most difficult period of his life.
"Nearly three years ago I got a call from Dennis Wise and Marc Bircham asking me if I would like to join Como 1907 in Italy as the Primavera U19 boys coach. It didn’t take too much thinking about as Como 1907 was in transition with new owners and ambitions to progress to Serie A which they have now done so and Lake Como is such a beautiful place to live," said Bell.
"Because of my experience in the women's game, I was recently asked by the club if I would consider taking the role of Head Coach of the Como 1907 Women. Although I was enjoying my current position overseeing the development of the U17 and U19 boys I felt that it was an opportunity that I could help the club in their ambition to develop the women in the same way that they have done so with the men in gaining promotion from Serie D to Serie A.
Como 1907 Women are not Como Women who are already in Serie A and are completely separate. The club did offer Como Women the chance to amalgamate but both parties could not come to an agreement so Como 1907 decided to develop their own women's team.
The ultimate goal is to gain promotion through the leagues to Serie A.
"I felt this was an opportunity that I would very much like to take with my experience, not just in the women's game but also in the men's game I feel I have a lot to offer to the staff and players.
"Not just as a coach but as a person who has had many experiences not just in football but in life not more so than what happened to me at the start of last season when I was looking forward to my second season with Primavera U19 boys."
He was then diagnosed with prostate cancer and in need of an immediate operation.
"Being faced with a diagnosis of prostate cancer changed my attitude almost instantly. I started positive thinking. I was convinced that negative thoughts would not help my cancer or my career I recognised them and kicked them away as soon as they entered my mind.
"Like so many men who are busy leading their lives when the shock of cancer hits you, it becomes very upsetting and your initial thoughts are what do I do now?
“I very much wanted to continue working throughout my treatment, because I loved my job and of course, I was given the support from the club. After the operation in only a few weeks, I was back in work coaching the boys again feeling so fit and happy and I was back in the environment I loved so much.
"Self-pity was not an option and despite some side effects of radiotherapy which sometimes was not very nice I never missed a day's work and have always been there to help and assist the coaches and the boys of the U17 and U19 teams who have always been so supportive to me.
"Looking back to this life-changing experience I have to say it has taught me to live life to the full teaching me not to complain about little trivial things that happen to us in life.
"I am so lucky that I am living in such a beautiful part of the world and each day doing something that I love very much and so grateful to those who have helped me along the way to do this.
"If it's possible it would be so nice to help Como 1907 Women achieve Serie A status for all the help and kindness the club has given me it would also make me so happy to help repay that kindness that they have given me."
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