In the high-stakes world of football management, motivating a squad can sometimes require thinking outside the box—or, as Tony Pulis discovered, outside the dressing room entirely. While modern bosses like Mikel Arteta earn plaudits for their innovative man-management at Arsenal, Pulis reveals that unorthodox tactics have been part of the game for decades.

During his 30-year managerial career, Pulis was never afraid to shake things up. His go-to strategy? Inviting guest speakers to address his teams before big matches. "It didn't have to be a football name," he explains. "I once brought boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard to Stoke. Sometimes, the best motivation comes from outside the sport."

But one experiment stands out as both a lesson in preparation and a cautionary tale. In the 1993-94 season, Pulis was managing Bournemouth in what is now League One. They faced a daunting League Cup tie against Premier League giants Blackburn Rovers, managed by Kenny Dalglish. Seeking an edge, Pulis arranged a pre-match hypnotist for his players.

"We had a meeting before the first leg," Pulis recalls. "The hypnotist asked the lads to sit in a circle, dimmed the lights, and told them to sit in silence for two minutes. When he turned the lights back on, every single chair was empty. I couldn't believe it—they'd sneaked out through a side door!"

Despite the failed hypnosis, Pulis saw the silver lining. "The lads were buzzing about it on the bus to the match. There was zero tension. They were relaxed, laughing, and ready to play." It's a reminder that even when plans go awry, a little creativity can still build team spirit—and sometimes, that's the real victory.