I think the difference these days is that most chairman of clubs in the top two divisions are less hands on. Probably because they have other business interests to keep on top of as well. Not like in the days of Bamber when chairmen probably spent more time at the football club!
Not really sure what point you are making unless it is that only people that have played at the top level of football should be allowed to manage and recruit! The current most successful manager is probably Mourinho. What level did he play at? Also, the number 2 at Real Madrid, what level did...