John McGreal & Steve Ball......

[jimmyt]

....are starting to get it right at Colchester and look to be developing into an effective management team. I know I don't need to remind anyone on here of McG's playing history and I realise that League 2 isn't the Championship, but someone to watch?

Just Saying...............

[herforder]

Agree. He's just won League 2 Manager of the Month award - first time a Col U boss has done so in eight years. Well worth ME keeping a beady eye on!

[Bluemike]

No ex players for me thanks.

[verulam]

Yes, I had started to take note of what John is doing - it looks promising. Now who was that other ex-player we took from Colchester? oh yes, George Burley. The boy did quite well I thought. I certainly don't have a problem with ex players becoming manager - so long as they have been somewhere else first.

[hallamblue]

....are starting to get it right at Colchester and look to be developing into an effective management team. I know I don't need to remind anyone on here of McG's playing history and I realise that League 2 isn't the Championship, but someone to watch?

Just Saying...............

Jimmy, I was think EXACTLY the same thing.

[Bluemike]

Doesn't it just go to show then how a manager struggling and near the bottom of a table with the team playing p*ss poor can turn things around, sounds familiar.

[jimmyt]

No ex players for me thanks.

Specific to ITFC or do you think that in general ex-players don't make good managers of their former clubs?

I think I agree that a quick move from player to manger at the same club doesn't really work - but if they have a good period away develop management skills elsewhere, then why not?

Now I'm trying to think of current successful managers who are coaching at their former clubs.....so far I haven't come up with a long list. One decent name though - Eddie Howe?

[Tangfastic]

No ex players for me thanks.

Specific to ITFC or do you think that in general ex-players don't make good managers of their former clubs?

I think I agree that a quick move from player to manger at the same club doesn't really work - but if they have a good period away develop management skills elsewhere, then why not?

Now I'm trying to think of current successful managers who are coaching at their former clubs.....so far I haven't come up with a long list. One decent name though - Eddie Howe?

i don't like ex-players being considered. There's no guarantee that they could transfer what they did on the pitch to being a good manager. Also, its the quickest way to lose any "legend" status.

Magilton's reputation as a manager here has increased only because we had Keane and Jewell later. He wasn't that good, really.

We've had Burley - which was our most successful "recent" period - but that ended disastrously. Leave ex-players-cum manager to NCFC - hoping they will get another Gunn or Adams.

[marko69]

Terry Butcher......., great player for both club & country........, complete sh*t manager. In fact, the 2nd worst Hibs have had in the past 30 years behind Colin Calderwood.

[herforder]

Would be short-sighted to exclude any qualified, competent, available and affordable individual because of past association with the Club. Best man for the job - based solely on professional experience and ability to win future football matches.

That said, can't think of many who would make ME's short list!

(See Calderwood now assistant to Steve Bruce at Aston Vanilla). (Someone obviously rates him!)

[marko69]

Steve's assistant to go get the buns from Greggs......, Fk all football related. Trust me on that.

[Bluemike]

No ex players for me thanks.

Specific to ITFC or do you think that in general ex-players don't make good managers of their former clubs?

I think I agree that a quick move from player to manger at the same club doesn't really work - but if they have a good period away develop management skills elsewhere, then why not?

Now I'm trying to think of current successful managers who are coaching at their former clubs.....so far I haven't come up with a long list. One decent name though - Eddie Howe?

I was looking at it purely from an ITFC perspective and no way would I want anyone who is sensibly available back here as our manager, given the situation we find ourselves in where budgets are concerned I think it would be an absolute disaster.

[herforder]

Steve's assistant to go get the buns from Greggs......, Fk all football related. Trust me on that.

Exceedingly good cakes! Some individuals make far better assistants than managers. Calderwood was highly regarded at Brighton, working under Chris Houghton, whilst Bruce's no fool. I know Seagull supporters were sad to see him go - at least that's the official line!

[marko69]

So he went to the bakers for Chris Hughton as well? Busy boy!

[herforder]

So he went to the bakers for Chris Hughton as well? Busy boy!

He'll miss the trip to Lincoln with Brighton!

[marko69]

So he went to the bakers for Chris Hughton as well? Busy boy!

He'll miss the trip to Lincoln with Brighton!

Oooooo, OUCH!