Chris Nicholl on his Walsall comeback
Thursday 25th August 2011, 8:29AM BST.
Chris Nicholl today revealed his Walsall comeback was completely “natural” after returning to the Banks’s Stadium dugout for the first time in 14 years.
The former Saddlers boss oversaw the reserves’ 2-1 win over Stoke yesterday and admitted he has slipped back into coaching with ease.
The 64-year-old, who managed the club between 1994 and 1997, was drafted in as an advisor by boss Dean Smith in January to help the rookie manager after he succeeded Chris Hutchings.
And Nicholl said: “It’s flown by really, I’ve enjoyed it. I found it was natural, the reaction was there. That’s the way it felt and it’s the only thing I’ve known all my life, either playing or managing.
“On the training ground I’m shouting at them anyway so the reserve game was no different to that. Getting a coffee for the referee was a new thing for me though!
“But winning really makes the difference, because that’s what we’re all about.
“Had we lost, it would have been different.”
The former Villa defender took charge with head of youth Neil Woods as Ryan Jarvis and Jamie Tank scored on the Saddlers’ return to the Central League Central Division after a year out.
But Nicholl insisted his role wasn’t set in stone and he could be restricted to a watching brief next time.
He said: “We’ll see what Dean wants. He might want to change it.”
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