Confusing messages on search for Hughton assistant.
Posted on October 20th, 2010 | 167 Comments |
Local reporter, Luke Edwards of the Journal, is insisting that Hughton will “Take his time” in the seach for a new deputy. However in the interview transcribed in the piece, there is something of a mixed message, with Hughton himself seemingly suggesting, as we reported yesterday, that it is something he will dealing with over the next few days, and also that he has someone in mind for the position already, but also saying “I’m going to think about it for a while”.
Hughton said on the succession:
“It will 100% be my decision because it has to be. He is going to be my assistant so it is important I know I can work with that person.
“I’m looking for someone I have worked with, or at least someone I know I could work with. It is a very important relationship and I’m going to think about it for a while.
“I’ve given myself a few days to think it over and then I’ll let the club know who I want. I hope we can get them, but you don’t know what barriers will be put in our way.
“I have an idea of who I want to appoint, but I’ve not made a definite decision yet. We aren’t going to draw up a shortlist, I’ll just come up with the name and give it to the board. They’ll do the rest.”
So, if Hughton already has a good idea, and will be giving a name of the candidate he wants in the next few days, this tends to imply that he will not be taking his time after all, that that any hold ups in the appointment of Calderwood’s successor will be for other reasons, such as contractual ones etc.
Moving on though, Hughton spoke further, sounding at times like a Teddy Pendergrass song as he waxed lyrical what what he wanted, and what he needed from his future partner. Hughton of course is something of an expert on the position, along with that of caretaker manager after his considerable previous experience in both roles at Tottenham and Newcastle. He said:
“As an assistant you have to get on with the manager and you have to be able to offer ideas to the manager as well.
“I want someone with good coaching ability, but also someone I can trust.
“I need someone who I know can deal with the players and who can look after them when he needs to.
“The modern manager is out on the training pitch every single day, but the training program is designed with the assistant so it is important they have good coaching ability.
“It will ultimately always be the manager’s decision, but you also want an assistant who comes up with ideas and who can discuss things with you on a match day. You need somebody to bounce ideas off.”
Meanwhile, the first team squad seem to be remarkably bereft of first class coaching staff at the moment, and we await with bated breath the decision of the Cockney Colossus.
Whoever it is, I’ll be surprised as I haven’t a clue about CH’s thinking on anything. Like the man and has done great so far but of all the managers I’ve heard he gives absolutely nothing away about anything.