Walsall's Interim Head Coach Jon Whitney, who has taken charge of twelve games since the departure of Sean O'Driscoll in March, has spoken to the local press ahead of this weekend's Sky Bet League 1 Play-Off Semi Final First Leg clash with Barnsley, and has admitted that he is relishing every moment of being Walsall boss.
Speaking via the Express & Star, Jon said; “If somebody had told me I had a chance of going to Wembley as a manager, I would have said 'no chance.' But I’ve got that chance now, although I’ve got to go and do a job against Barnsley first.
“But even up to now it’s been great for me. I really enjoy it and I enjoy chatting to you guys. I’m a people person. Some of those communication skills are going out of the game now, it’s all social media, but I quite like the old school Anfield boot room ways.
“When I call a staff meeting we debate, I listen to everyone’s opinion. I can never understand coaches who don’t get the opinion of the staff. That’s insanity and it’s happened here in the past. I want to carry options forwards and get results.
“I have been called a control freak by a few people and even Sean called me that. But there is fine line. Am I a control freak or am I someone who is supremely organised? I’ve got so much time on my hands now. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke and I don’t go out anymore, so I have always got time.
“Away from family time, if I can get the best environment for my players and try to develop them and do a bit of research on sports science, I can do that now.”
“But even up to now it’s been great for me. I really enjoy it and I enjoy chatting to you guys. I’m a people person. Some of those communication skills are going out of the game now, it’s all social media, but I quite like the old school Anfield boot room ways.
“When I call a staff meeting we debate, I listen to everyone’s opinion. I can never understand coaches who don’t get the opinion of the staff. That’s insanity and it’s happened here in the past. I want to carry options forwards and get results.
“I have been called a control freak by a few people and even Sean called me that. But there is fine line. Am I a control freak or am I someone who is supremely organised? I’ve got so much time on my hands now. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke and I don’t go out anymore, so I have always got time.
“Away from family time, if I can get the best environment for my players and try to develop them and do a bit of research on sports science, I can do that now.”
SOURCE | EXPRESS & STAR