Assistant caretaker-manager Chris Hogg believes continuity is a key element in creating the right environment in which players and coaches can develop.

Hogg, whose usual role is assistant U23s coach working under Gerard Nash, says Town’s Playford Road academy isn’t just about nurturing young players but also bringing through aspiring coaches.

In addition to Hogg and Nash, former players Alan Lee, Kieron Dyer, Titus Bramble and Adem Atay - who came through the academy without breaking into the first team - are also among those beginning their coaching careers working under Bryan Klug, whose job these days is head of coaching and player development, and academy manager Lee O’Neill.

“It’s a testament to the people that are here, the environment and the opportunity that is given,” Hogg said.

“For me personally that’s a great way of dealing with things. You see a lot of chopping and changing at football clubs and I’d like to think we’ve got relatively good consistency with staff here.

“Obviously, people do leave, people will leave in the future, but we’ve got a lot of faces round here that have been here for five, 10, 15, 20 years at the football club behind the scenes so it just helps create that environment. And credit to Bryan, who gives people the opportunity.”

Owner Marcus Evans cited the stable backroom staff in his interview earlier in the week when talking about the appointment of the club's new manager and that’s something Hogg also views as important.

“I think continuity is key in whatever business or whatever walk of life you’re in,” he added.

“The owner will take care of that but what I can say is that the people that are here are trying to improve and trying to make this environment the best they can for the players and that’s all you can ask at a football club really, everyone pulling in the same direction.”

Hogg says he and his colleagues will be there to provide guidance to the new man once he comes in if required, although hasn’t been sounded out for his thoughts by owner Evans during his search for a new boss.

“What will happen will happen with the appointment but that’s going to be our role, to help that along and we’re all open, we’re all pretty honest with our opinions,” he continued.

“If we get asked, I’m sure they’ll get a fair assessment of what is good at the football club and areas of improvement.”

Having spent a significant part of his life at the club and with his familial connections - George Burley is his father-in-law - Hogg says he understands what’s expected of a Town manager and is immersed in the culture of the club.

“I think the owner spoke about that briefly in his interview yesterday,” he added. “For me personally, I do have an affinity with the football club, it’s played a big part in my life, especially my earlier life, coming here when I was 16.

“I have connections to the football club as well, who have been part of the history, so I do haven affinity with the football club, I really enjoy working here, really enjoy working with the players.

“But in terms of whoever comes in, they will bring their own style and their own things anyway, that is one for the owner where he’s going to have to assess that. But the style is winning football games in the Championship, and that’s what it’s about, so that’ll have to be a blend of that really.”

Photo: TWTD

madmouse1959 added 00:14 - Apr 27 Some people would state that continuity is possibly the problem at this club.
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