It would be fairly to safe say that Noureddine ‘Dino’ Maamria is unique to English football. The Tunisian is the first non-English manager that Stevenage has had; he’s also only African manager in English professional football. Although he is a few leagues off the Premier League, the Tunisian has experienced a successful career in management. And he will no doubt be dreaming of joining a team that is one of the favourites in the Premier League 2019 winner odds at some point in his career.
Here’s everything that you need to know about our boss.
Playing Career
Before stepping into management, Dino had a lengthy career playing for numerous clubs. Even though he spent no more than a couple of seasons at each club he played for, Dino will mainly be remembered for his time at Stevenage. The last club of his professional career was National League side Northwich Victoria. He did, however, make an appearance for Stevenage in 2009 due a shortage of players.
Northwich Victoria
Whilst he was at Northwich Victoria, the Tunisian was made caretaker manager. It was a few months into the 2007-08 season, before he was given the job on a full-time basis. His debut season at the club was a success; leading the club away from relegation, despite them being 15 points adrift of safety prior to his appointment. Despite their good form at the end of the campaign, the following season didn’t go as well; the Vics sacking him just a year after his appointment.
Coaching Roles
Following his dismissal from Northwich Victoria, Dino re-joined Stevenage as a member of Graham Westley’s coaching team.
The Tunisian ended up leaving the club in January 2012 when he followed Graham Westley to Preston North End. However, things didn’t go to plan at the Lancashire club and Dino left the club following Westley’s sacking a year later. He wasn’t out of work for long and once again joined Westley when he re-joined Stevenage as manager.
Although the duo failed to save Stevenage from relegation to League Two, they almost managed an instant return to League One the following season, but were defeated in the play-off semi-finals. A week after the defeat, Westley and Dino both left the club.
Image Source: Sky Sports
Southport
After leaving the club, Dino spent the next year out of football in order to earn the UEFA Pro Licence – the highest certificate available in coaching. After passing the course, he was appointed manager of National League side Southport. Having briefly played for the club during his career, Dino was faced with the task of steering the club clear of relegation. Having only won three of the past 20 games, the boss guided the club on a nine-match unbeaten run; dragging them clear of the relegation zone, before resigning five months later.
Nuneaton Town
The Tunisian ended up partnering up with Graham Westley once again; becoming assistant manager at League Two side Newport County. He left the club later that season, however, following Westley’s sacking in March 2017.
Dino wasn’t out of football for long though as he joined Nuneaton Town. Like his previous managerial jobs, the club was struggling. In fact, the club were only one place above the relegation zone. Even though his spell at the club was relatively short, he did manage to lead the club on a ten-game unbeaten run. It was this which led the team from a relegation battle into a safe mid-table position.
Stevenage
His impressive work at Nuneaton meant the 47 year old was approached by Chairman Phil Wallace to replace the recently sacked Darren Sarll. While it isn’t the first time that Dino has been with the club, it is the first time where he has joined the club as the first-team manager.
Despite managing at the highest-level in his managerial career, Dino has adapted well in his few months with the club. Now, he has the team just outside the playoff places. There’s still a long way to go until the end of the season, but is Dino the man to take us back into League One?
