Gary Mac in frame to join Liverpool coaching staff

[gkmacca]

If they're going to appoint an ex-player, then they should forget about calling them a coach, because there aren't ex-players good enough to play that role. They might as well just appoint one as an all-purpose ambassador, and say, 'Have a chat with Brendan once a week and chip in with your ideas on an informal basis'. That's all that can happen, practically. Even that probably rules out someone who'd really challenge Rodgers to think again about anything. Imagine Digger giving him advice once a week - his Ramones-speed chattering would probably just make Rodgers tune out. They've already got Kenny and Rush and Fowler at the club; if they want ex-Reds to have a say, tell them to have more of a say, but if you want a specialist coach, as Ryan says, go and get a proper specialist coach.

 

[mark1975]

There's romanticism, and there's fucking ignorance. He's proven himself to be no good as a coach, who cares how great he was as a footballer?

You don't see Bryan Robson back at United. Cos he was a fucking abomination as a coach.

It's football fan naivety. This romantic notion that cos they're respected and experienced and loved the club that it'll be all buzz. Can he fucking coach is the only question that needs to be asked.

In this case, the evidence points to a resounding no.

You don't know how he's proven himself as a coach, you know how he's proven himself as a manager.

There's a reason United put Giggs in place, because he understands the club and what it means to win and lose there, the fans relate to that and the right type of player will look up to that.

I'm not exactly for this because I don't know his credentials, but it seems that anything remotely connected to the clubs past or anyone deemed some form of old/new great at the club is automatically looked at by you with cynicism. "A fucking abomination", listen to yourself.

 

[jexykrodic]

I think you have to temper questioning every decision Rodgers makes with the praise heaped upon him just a season and a bit ago. None of us are particularly good judges are we?

It's also deluded to think we can pick from the very best coaching staff who can generally choose their projects or are just happy where they are currently. Maybe we're just not that attractive as a club? Maybe bigger money and/or a London location are a bigger draw?

 

[Ryan]

You don't know how he's proven himself as a coach, you know how he's proven himself as a manager.

There's a reason United put Giggs in place, because he understands the club and what it means to win and lose there, the fans relate to that and the right type of player will look up to that.

I'm not exactly for this because I don't know his credentials, but it seems that anything remotely connected to the clubs past or anyone deemed some form of old/new great at the club is automatically looked at by you with cynicism. "A fucking abomination", listen to yourself.

"A fucking abomination" was in reference to Bryan Robson's record as a Manger. Are you questioning that? I doubt you are, cos you've seen the 'fucking abomination' line, assumed it was in reference to McAllister, and leapt up like a true keyboard warrior.

And yes, you're correct; he hasn't proven himself as a coach. But shouldn't he have had to before he gets a job as one at one of the biggest football clubs in the world?

 

[leftpeg]

Ryan makes a good point...just because somebody has played at a higher level than the rest of us it doesn't necessarily make him a better judge of player, team, manager or tactics. We'd all do well to remember that.

 

[keniget]

Heh, sneaky.

 

[Silver Sean]

Finally some good news.

 

[davud graham]

If you look at the supposed candidates for this coach/ex player cheerleader position they are trying to fill then it smacks of inexperience and failure as coaches and managers.
Mccallister, Hyypia and Mcmanaman. None of them have achieved anything of note since their playing careers ended as either a coach or a manager so what makes them qualified to be a coach at Liverpool. The obvious answer is that they played for the club and therefore would be accepted and lauded by the supporters. Probably the same reason that Mike Marsh was promoted as soon as Rodgers arrived.
If they are serious about getting an ex player who has been a successful assistant manger before then why haven't they gone for Phil Thompson? He understands the role and the club and did well under Houllier.
Sammy lee could be another with similar attributes and has the added bonus of currently being at Southampton and we know we like getting people from them. We must have a loyalty card with them or something.

 

[Hansern]

Now, I think Ryan is correct in questioning this appointment.
What makes Gary Mac good enough to coach at this level?
Firstly, I dont think his managerial experience is such a big key here.
When it comes to being a coach and not the manager its pretty irrelevant imho bar the experience.

Look at Meulensteen. One of the best coaches in the World but fucking horrendous manager.
Thats why I dont think O'Driscolls lower league experience will hinder him in being a success either.
As a coach he gets praised all over the place. Thats the important part.
The big question is obviously coaching in the Premier League. Will he adapt to that?

Lijnders is probably one of the more promising coaches around. He'll be part of both the first team and Acadamy, a natural progression and I dont see any problem with that.
He'll adapt no problem imho.

Gary Mac, well his stint at Leeds and Boro werent any good but thats a long time ago.
How did he do for Houllier at Villa?

You'd have to think there is a plan by putting these 3 together.
Gary Mac knows the club and what it takes. I also think he has all the tools to be a very good coach.
Which is highlighted by this description:
During his time at Anfield his presence, intelligent play and experience made a strong impression on the younger members of the squad and he seemed to inspire those around him when they found themselves in difficulty.[22] This is one of the qualities that have led to his nickname The Enforcer by which he was known throughout his career.[23] In recognition for his contribution to the club's success, McAllister was named as number 32 in the 100 Players Who Shook The Kop survey.[24]

Does he have what it takes? Who knows. But Rodgers is putting together a team of coaches that he can work with.
We'll just have to trust him on this one.

 

[Hansern]

Roy Keane has the personality of a badger on acid btw, Gary Mac is nothing like that.

 

[cloggypop]

A badger would be fairly mellow and quiet on acid I reckon. Exploring the beauty of the world around him and within him.

A rottweiler on cocaine seems more likely.

 

[Hansern]

A badger would be fairly mellow and quiet on acid I reckon. Exploring the beauty of the world around him and within him.

A rottweiler on cocaine seems more likely.

Haha! Yeah, you're probably right. Or a pitbull on speed and testo...

 

[Ryan]

Ryan makes a good point...just because somebody has played at a higher level than the rest of us it doesn't necessarily make him a better judge of player, team, manager or tactics. We'd all do well to remember that.

I guess if you had almost 10 years of documented evidence of how much you knew about all those areas for the world to enjoy, be educated in, and experience it'd make a difference though. Unfortunately Gary Mac doesn't have that though eh...

 

[singlerider]

He's got his badges, or at least some of them.

I know this because I once made the startling discovery that, along with Gary Mac, Stevie G, Carra, Bolo Zenden, Matt Le Tissier, God (I think, my memory may be failing me), and a host of other old footballing names that I can't really remember now, all got their Level 2 coaching badges through Bedford College.

Bizarre (but true)

 

[Jack D Rips]

I have great time for Gary Mac but I cant help getting the feeling that this might be a fan appeasing exercise.

 

[tombrown]

And yes, you're correct; he hasn't proven himself as a coach. But shouldn't he have had to before he gets a job as one at one of the biggest football clubs in the world?

Mr Dalglish had no track record as a coach. manager or sponge man, but went on to win the double

 

[FoxForceFive]

A badger would be fairly mellow and quiet on acid I reckon. Exploring the beauty of the world around him and within him.

A rottweiler on cocaine seems more likely.

Ha. That reminded me of Bill Bailey talking about acid. So true.

 

[peekay]

Mr Dalglish had no track record as a coach. manager or sponge man, but went on to win the double

King Kenny also had the greatest manager of all time providing him advise on the sidelines and helping him during his initial phase and access to one of the greatest footballing support staff (scouts, upper level management) ever assembled. Different times.

 

[kingjulian]

I think you have to temper questioning every decision Rodgers makes with the praise heaped upon him just a season and a bit ago. None of us are particularly good judges are we?

It's also deluded to think we can pick from the very best coaching staff who can generally choose their projects or are just happy where they are currently. Maybe we're just not that attractive as a club? Maybe bigger money and/or a London location are a bigger draw?

This...we need to stop spinning things to suit the prevailing mood.

Last seasosn it was to the more palatable..."we have the best young manager in the game." Even some of Rodgers cringe worthy press statements were doctored to fit that theme.

This season Rodgers can do no right...no matter what he does.

I dont know anything about Gary Macs or Sami Hyypia's credentials as coach...i doubt any one of us here knows, cuz frankly no one has the time to follow their careers, and all we have is a couple of sound bytes in the media.

I long for the day we can have youtube compilations of managers so we can have even more laughable debates about coaching credentials of premier league managers...

 

[gkmacca]

King Kenny also had the greatest manager of all time providing him advise on the sidelines and helping him during his initial phase and access to one of the greatest footballing support staff (scouts, upper level management) ever assembled. Different times.

As far as advice is concerned, it ought still to work, it's simply down to Rodgers' insecurity that it doesn't. Kenny had absolutely no hesitation in using Paisley and Tom Saunders as sounding boards. Rodgers ought to do the same, informally.

 

[jexykrodic]

I can't believe a badge imbues the holder as having any special ability. I've no doubt it is earned by completing a list of basic competences.

Frankly, if a player with a 20 year playing career hasn't picked up those basics whilst serving under different managers I'd be amazed.

What sets some coaches apart is the fact they get to organize a team of highly paid and talented professionals bought at great expense, the magic is down to the players.

 

[tombrown]

King Kenny also had the greatest manager of all time providing him advise on the sidelines and helping him during his initial phase and access to one of the greatest footballing support staff (scouts, upper level management) ever assembled. Different times.

And Gary has Brendan.

Same thing, right? 😉

 

[Red Astaire]

I’m really not sure what path you’re going down here RA. Trying to shoehorn some selective point onto me with your leading questions won’t get you there.

I’ve already summed up my views for you’ it’s fine to be romantic and want to win. I’d class myself as that type of fan. You didn’t.

That’s the difference.

Ignore me mate. It was late and I believed I had a point at the time. Reading it back it seems like bollocks.

 

[localny]

Wait, there's an Irishman, a Scot and a half irishman in charge of the team? Sounds familiar.

 

[Spionkop69]

King Kenny also had the greatest manager of all time providing him advise on the sidelines and helping him during his initial phase and access to one of the greatest footballing support staff (scouts, upper level management) ever assembled. Different times.

But be under no illusions, ?Kenny made his own decisions and sidelined ?Bob as and when he felt necessary. Also football was a lot different back then and we were in such good shape, Paul O'Grady could have got a tune out of us. That's not to run down Kenny and his achievement in that season.

His best decision was to bring himself back for that run in. It was just his instinct served him well.

 

[Ryan]

Ignore me mate. It was late and I believed I had a point at the time. Reading it back it seems like bollocks.

All good mate.

 

[gkmacca]

Appointment confirmed:


Liverpool Football Club can confirm that Gary McAllister has been appointed as first-team coach.

The Scotsman, who forged a lasting affinity with Reds fans during a two-year spell as a player between 2000 and 2002, will work alongside Brendan Rodgers and his backroom team at Melwood.

The manager said: "Gary has a special connection with this club and its supporters, and I'm delighted he is joining our team as first-team coach.

"When I met him I was struck by his passion, enthusiasm and knowledge for what we're looking to achieve here.

"He has experience coaching at the highest level and is someone who can connect with players and help them learn from his knowledge and understanding of representing this great club."

McAllister joined Liverpool at the turn of the century on a free transfer from Coventry City, aged 35.

His experience proved invaluable, scoring seven goals in 49 appearances to help the Reds to a historic trophy treble as they lifted the FA, League and UEFA Cups in 2001.

The midfielder notched a further 38 run-outs and two strikes in 2001-02 before he departed the club firmly established as a favourite among supporters.

Speaking about his return to Liverpool, McAllister said: "I'm delighted. I'm really excited about the prospect of coming back. It's fantastic and I'm really looking forward to it.

"I feel as if I owe Liverpool, getting that opportunity at the last stage of my career, at 35 and getting that opportunity.

"This is similar, I feel the same as I did with that - that was a surprise phone call back then when I was given a chance to come and play at Liverpool as a 35-year-old.

"Right place at the right time, and I just hope it repeats itself. A lot of hard work and dedication... everything is there, Liverpool is a club where you can win things - that's a fact."

McAllister moved into coaching immediately after leaving Anfield in 2002, taking up a role as Coventry's player-manager.

He resigned from the position two years later, but returned to managerial duties when he took up the reins at Leeds United in 2008.

A coaching spell at Middlesbrough followed, before he was reunited with the man who had originally brought him to Anfield, Gerard Houllier, when he was appointed as the Frenchman's assistant at Aston Villa. He remained there until 2011.

"I'm looking forward to working with the players," he added. "There have been some exciting signings and there are some fantastic players already at the club.

"There's definite quality there and I'm just looking forward to getting in amongst it."

 

[Best Believe It]

Well, it's an upgrade on Mike Marsh at least.

 

[Red Astaire]

I like it - Then again I'm a big softy and the heart usually rules the head. Nice to see Gary Mac back.

 

[gkmacca]

If the only thing he does is have a word in the ear of certain players before big games, it'll be an improvement on what poor Marsh did.