Transcript
Please note this transcript is an automatically generated summary and may contain inaccuracies.
James Modley:
Thank you for joining us, and welcome to an extremely special episode of Higgs in conversation with. For this episode, I am joined by a very special guest who needs no introduction—a true legend of the Premier League era and a key part of the Manchester United team that became immortalised in footballing history by winning the treble, making them the first English team to accomplish it. Ex-Premier League and international footballer, now international manager with Trinidad and Tobago: Dwight Yorke. Dwight, welcome.
Dwight Yorke:
Thank you, James.
Dwight Yorke – career highlights
James Modley:
Thank you so much for joining us. As you know, this podcast is designed to explore what success and leadership mean. That's something you have experienced and continue to experience in your career. For those who haven't joined before, my name is James Modley and I am your host. I am a partner in the Commercial Dispute Resolution team at Higgs LLP.
Dwight, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's fair to say you've experienced success at the elite level of sport. Let me reel off some facts: three Premier League titles, one English FA Cup, one Champions League, one League Cup, one A League title, one Intercontinental Cup, one Caribbean Cup winner, and one Championship winner. Have I missed anything?
Dwight Yorke:
I'll let you off; you're probably missing the Championship as well but not a bad CV after all. I am very happy with that.
James Modley:
I haven't finished yet! Top Premier League scorer 1998–99 in your debut season for Manchester United. Top Champions League scorer the same year. And, I believe, 123 Premier League goals for a non-European player, a record only broken by Sergio Agüero in 2017.
Dwight Yorke:
You're right.
James Modley:
Another as a Villa fan—Aston Villa's record fastest goalscorer: 13 seconds. Continuing with Villa, third highest goalscorer with 60 goals, only beaten by Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ollie Watkins.
Dwight Yorke:
Yes.
Reflections on the journey
Dwight Yorke:
It's been a journey. For those who don't follow football, the journey from the Caribbean all the way to England and to the very top has been an amazing experience. If someone had told me at the start, as a young dreamer hoping to be a professional footballer, that I would achieve all those accolades, I would have said no—I would be in dreamland. It's been a wonderful experience and one that I am very proud of. My family feels the same. Listening to those remarkable stats now, I'm very happy.
James Modley:
We'll come back to some of those achievements. I know you have your sights on the future, particularly as manager of Trinidad and Tobago. As an international manager now, what does a typical day look like? What is your daily routine?
Dwight Yorke:
International football is very different from club football, even though the concepts are similar. In club football, you're involved with players every day, constantly talking to them, interacting, improving them, and building them up. At the international level, you have the players only for a short period and must work with them, communicate your philosophy, and ideas very quickly. That's the challenge—working within a small window of time. You're constantly thinking about players, availability, injuries, and form. Putting the pieces together in a short space of time is key.
Transitioning to international management
James Modley:
Was it difficult moving from day-to-day management in the A-League to international management?
Dwight Yorke:
Yes. In club football, you interact with your players every day, see their strengths and weaknesses, and work on them continuously. In international football, you don't have that time. It's more challenging but, as football people, we know what is required. Having a dedicated team around me makes it more competent—everyone has a specific role to play.
James Modley:
You mentioned team—why was it so important to get people you trusted around you? How does that help you?
Dwight Yorke:
You recruit people who are not just football experts but also skilled in specific areas—physical, technical, tactical. You need people who understand your philosophy and can implement it on the pitch. It's about trust and leadership, so when we come together, we're on the same page and can achieve results quickly.
Optimal performance
James Modley:
You've played for some of the finest managers in the world. What does “optimal performance” mean to you?
Dwight Yorke:
Playing for Aston Villa and Manchester United means being part of an elite group. In England, you need to meet a certain standard—not just in performance but in professionalism and consistency. When I arrived at Villa, I had to learn what professionalism meant: the preparations, sleep, diet, timekeeping, fitness. Competing at the highest level means always being at your best. At Villa, those ten years were my football education. The move to Manchester United was a leap to a whole new level—expectations, fan base, demands. If you didn't raise your game, you’d be left behind.
Psychology and self-belief
James Modley:
You must have had self-belief to reach the top. How did you deal with the psychological challenges—was it difficult or second nature?
Dwight Yorke:
On the football pitch, I always felt at ease and knew I belonged there. From a young age, I played with men even while at secondary school. I represented Trinidad and Tobago at senior level at 15 or 16. Age didn’t factor into it. My comfort was on the pitch, facing any opponent. If I wasn’t good at something, I made sure I would work to improve it.
Ambition and inspiration
James Modley:
Was there a point you realised you could become a professional footballer?
Dwight Yorke:
Growing up in the Caribbean, no one had really done it. Scholarship to America was the usual route, not a move to England for football. I was the first to break that barrier. Villa came on a tour to Trinidad in 1989, and I was invited to England for a trial. I stayed for six weeks and the rest is history.
Defining success
James Modley:
What are your three non-negotiables for success?
Dwight Yorke:
Work ethic, commitment, and passion. You've got to make sacrifices and push boundaries. That set me apart. Commitment, sacrifice, passion, dedication—they matter in management too. If you’re not passionate and willing to make sacrifices, you'll struggle.
Valuable lessons
James Modley:
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned?
Dwight Yorke:
Grasp the moment and take opportunities as they come. I can honestly say I have no regrets in my career. I loved it—training every day, playing every match, and being recognised even today. You have to love what you do and give everything; it's about passion and dedication.
Achievements and reflection
James Modley:
Looking back, did you soak up winning the treble or were you always chasing the next thing?
Dwight Yorke:
I was always chasing the next success. Consistency requires a different mindset. If I’d understood that better at the time, I might have achieved even more. It's easy to get comfortable, but you need that killer instinct.
Mistakes and growth
James Modley:
Are mistakes positive or negative for growth?
Dwight Yorke:
No one is perfect but you can always get better. Mistakes are part of growing, both in sport and life. The important thing is to recognise mistakes, build on them, and improve.
Leadership philosophy
James Modley:
What’s your secret to building the best team and being the best leader?
Dwight Yorke:
Leadership is about influencing others and empowering your team—uplifting players so they perform for you and the fans. The challenge is to get everyone to buy into your ideas and philosophy. Good players can make good managers if they are committed and willing to adapt. There’s no magic formula—learn from others but implement your own ideas.
James Modley:
How would you describe your own leadership style?
Dwight Yorke:
It’s about enjoyment and constant improvement. My work ethic and self-belief are key—I encourage players to challenge themselves to be their best. Leadership is about making sure players trust you, keeping those who aren't playing motivated, and always striving to be exceptional.
Inspiration
James Modley:
Who has inspired you?
Dwight Yorke:
My family—struggling and living in tough circumstances was my main driver. Having a best friend like Brian Lara helped too—his success pushed me even further. Surrounding yourself with inspiring people elevates you.
Modern football and technology
James Modley:
What do you see shaping football in the next few years, particularly with technology?
Dwight Yorke:
There’s so much more information, data, and sports science now. While that helps to improve athletes, I hope it doesn't take away the natural flair, excitement, and individual brilliance that make football special. Fans still come for those moments, not just strategy and data.
Management motivation
James Modley:
What drove you to move from playing to management?
Dwight Yorke:
Commitment and a natural transition. I believe I am different, capable of connecting and getting the best out of my players. The transition isn't for everyone, but I am confident I’ll be a great manager. My self-belief is strong and I always crave a fair chance.
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