Walsall manager rules out new No 2
Friday 24th June 2011, 11:01AM BST.
Walsall boss Dean Smith has ruled out bringing in a new assistant and insisted he will stick with his Saddlers dream team.
The manager will not look for any more staff and will keep faith with Chris Nicholl and Jon Whitney after last season’s heroics.
Whitney has confirmed he will step down from official assistant duties to focus on his physio role – which left questions over the make-up of the management team.
But Smith insists the dynamic of the trio will not change with adviser Nicholl and Whitney continuing their supporting roles.
The Saddlers boss said: “I don’t really want to go to go down the road in getting a number two. I liked how it worked last year with me Jon, Chris and I will try to keep us together as a backroom team.
“I’m not into these names of No 2, coach and first-team manager. As long as I’ve got a good backroom team supporting me I’m happy.”
The trio inspired the Saddlers’ Great Escape in League One last term, along with goalkeeping coach Mick Kearns.
But Smith ruled out Nicholl becoming his official assistant, despite the former manager’s successful return to the club as his advisor last season.
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In Dean we trust
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Last season, pretty much all the away teams turned up with an entourage – I mean, something like 8 or 9 blokes all part of the away management team. What do we have – Deano & Jon.
Dean, I hope we’re not in for a rough ride next season?
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We have to keep the faith with Dean that he knows what he is doing and who knows sooner or later this style of management with an advisor rather than a No.2 or director of football may become the norm.
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Were those teams with 8 and 9 coaches successful last season?? I’m sure that would a case of ‘too many cooks’ especially at a club like ours. I agree with what’s said above, we’ve got to put trust and belief in Dean and make sure it comes across from the stands, home and away. I’m sure a passionate fan base is stronger than having an entourage like J-Lo has for instance! Deano Smith’s Barmy Army!!!
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Is there room for a player-coach, someone like Kevin Phillips? He has so much experience at the top level of football and would also be a great asset on the field. UTS and In Dean We Trust.
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someone like phillips would be good but he`s been a top player with some top clubs and earned serious money.Don`t think the £5.75 per hour walsall pay would appeal to him!!
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Think Walsall will fork out 10G a wick think not
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Dean did well last season. I trust him to know hat he needs
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