Lincoln City head coach knew ‘after about five minutes’ that former Manchester United coach Paul McShane was right for a role at the club.
McShane, who played a bulk of his football at Hull City, coached at Old Trafford, as well as Huddersfield Town, and was reportedly wanted by a handful of clubs this summer as he sought his latest role.
That role has come at Sincil Bank, and he was in the dugout yesterday as the Imps’ pre-season got underway with a 1-0 win against Boston United.
Speaking after the game, Cohen explained that despite a strong reputation, which includes a major international tournament, Premier League promotion and an FA Cup final, it was something else that sealed the deal.
“His reputation as a player obviously came before him, so immediately he gets respect,” he said pitchside at the Jakeman’s Stadium. “But Tom and I sat with him and, after about five minutes, we knew he would be the right candidate for us.
“Jez obviously knows lots of people in the game and we know lots of people. We spoke to different people, but Paul came in with the CV he has got as a player and a coach.
“Straight away, we just thought he suited Lincoln City. He is completely down to earth, really, really humble, but very, very good at what he does.
“He has been a great addition already and will really help us over the course of the season.”
McShane has a growing reputation as a coach and was linked with a West Brom return, where he appeared as a player, but instead, he’s Sincil Bank-bound. As Chris and Tom showed last season, the backup staff are hugely important in success. Our newest member of staff will be expected to fulfil a role similar to that of the current head coaches last season.
“We are all a little bit different and he will have a really important role to play. He already knows what that role is and knew what it was coming in.
“I am sure he will speak to you more about all that stuff, but he will play a really prominent role.
“You saw the role Tom and I played as assistants last year, and we expect Paul to have the same impact as we were able to.”
It isn’t just about ability at Sincil Bank – personality and culture are mentioned all of the time, and there have been some high-profile instances of coaching staff coming in and reportedly leaving due to cultural or personality clashes.
“I do not think anyone is the same in football anyway, but we do not want robots,” added Chris. “We want people with personality, players with personality and staff with personality.
“If you look around, I am sure you have met most of them. They have all got something about them and really suit Lincoln City.
“There is no arrogance and no ego. They just really want the club to do well. Paul fits the bill perfectly.”
McShane will now fly out with the rest of the coaching staff to Spain, where a week’s training awaits, and a pre-season friendly against League One side Leyton Orient.
Comments Welcome!