Procurement Manager Craig Nelson doesn’t just negotiate contracts for Arriva Rail London – he also coaches non‑league football teams. We sat down with him to talk about his path from youth footballer to mentor and the lessons he brings from the pitch to the workplace.

You’ve worked on the Overground for 16 years. How did your journey begin?

I started out as a station supervisor and then became a station manager before moving into procurement. Whether it’s at work or in football, I enjoy helping people develop and improve themselves.

Speaking of football – how did your coaching career start?

I played football at youth level for Crystal Palace and Charlton. Although, I never made it to the first teams, I played for years at lower levels before moving into coaching some well-known non-league clubs, including Lewes FC and Tonbridge Angels.

How do you balance a full-time role in procurement with coaching at a competitive level?

Having a full-time job and coaching at this level is tough but rewarding. It’s vital to manage your time well – and have other coaches you trust to share the workload. But even in the busiest weeks, I always make sure I have time to relax with my family.

What’s been your favourite moment as a coach?

A dramatic local derby win has to be up there. I was coaching Lewes, and we beat Whitehawk with a last‑minute goal. The atmosphere and noise from the crowd was incredible. It’s what football is all about.

We hear you’ve had coaching inspiration from a very high-profile source…

I know Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich’s head coach, through family connections. I was fortunate enough to spend time with him on the training ground when he was managing in the Premier League. He showed me there are business skills from work that can help my coaching, and vice versa.

Wow! Any other football heroes?

Ian Wright was my football hero when I was young. He’s from South London like me, and played for Arsenal, who I support. He was one of the footballers we’d pretend to be as kids when we played on our estate!