Walsall's Interim Head Coach Jon Whitney has spoken to the local press as he and his team continue to prepare for next weekend's League 1 meeting with Oldham Athletic, and has revealed that he no longer considers himself a Physio as he targets the Head Coach job permanently.
Speaking via the Express & Star, Jon said; “Eight or nine years ago, I wouldn’t have been right for this job. But the place I am at now – I am. I have made mistakes as a player and as a person in life but I have worked hard to make sure I have learned from those mistakes.
“If I get to May 8 and we are in a good position and I have impressed people then I will be delighted. I want to show people it’s not just words with me. I am a man of action. I want to show people the skills set I have developed over the last 20 years will allow me to ply my trade on the coaching side.
“I have got a two-and-a-half year contract with the club – whichever role that takes up depends on how well I do. I am ready to take on whatever challenge comes next. Whether it’s head of performance or head coach.
“They are very similar and I think people get hung up on titles. I’m definitely not going to go back to being a hands-on physio though. I am finished with that. I want to give my experience to up-and-coming physios. I think they deserve a chance now – instead of us old boys blocking their route!”
“If I get to May 8 and we are in a good position and I have impressed people then I will be delighted. I want to show people it’s not just words with me. I am a man of action. I want to show people the skills set I have developed over the last 20 years will allow me to ply my trade on the coaching side.
“I have got a two-and-a-half year contract with the club – whichever role that takes up depends on how well I do. I am ready to take on whatever challenge comes next. Whether it’s head of performance or head coach.
“They are very similar and I think people get hung up on titles. I’m definitely not going to go back to being a hands-on physio though. I am finished with that. I want to give my experience to up-and-coming physios. I think they deserve a chance now – instead of us old boys blocking their route!”
SOURCE | EXPRESS & STAR