‘Best in the business’ – former Town duo hail the return of Bryan Klug to Ipswich Town
IPSWICH Town have today warmly welcomed home highly-respected coach Bryan Klug.
The 51-year-old has been officially announced as director of the club’s new-look academy, two-and-a-half years after being controversially sacked by former boss Roy Keane.
And former players Richard Wright and James Scowcroft – two of the numerous young players to have progressed into the first team ranks under Klug’s guidance during more than 20 years of service on the backroom staff at Portman Road – have hailed the appointment.
“In my opinion he is one of the best in the business,” said goalkeeper Wright. “His record of developing young players speaks for itself. He just knows how to talk to people and how to get the best out of them.
“I remember vividly how he helped me when my dad died when I was 17. He was the one that really got me enjoying my football again during a difficult time personally.
“I have started doing my coaching badges recently and it’s made me realise even more what a great coach he is. His return is a massive boost for the club.”
Scowcroft added: “I have played under numerous coaches and Bryan comes out at the very top. He’s one of the few people in the game who can coach individuals.
Most Read
- 1 Matchday Recap: How Town's cup defeat to Colchester played out
- 2 Firefighters tackling fire near popular Suffolk hotel and spa
- 3 Town closing in on deal for experienced defender Keogh
- 4 Police attending 'incident' near town centre
- 5 Smoke seen across Ipswich as crews tackle large fire
- 6 'Childhood dream' as opening date nears for Suffolk coastal restaurant
- 7 'Quite different to traditional gyms' Suffolk gym with a difference opens
- 8 Buy the bread everyone’s raving about at new Suffolk cafe
- 9 Farmer 'heartbroken' as land sees fourth fire in 10 days
- 10 Popular family-run butchers announces closure
“He’s a top guy with a great manner about him. He demands a lot from you, but at the same time he is really approachable. You go away having spoken to him really wanting to develop and improve.”
Klug was dismissed in January 2010 during Keane’s time as manager. And the EADT understands that current boss Paul Jewell and chief executive Simon Clegg have worked hard to personally persuade Klug – who has remained living in Ipswich – to leave his role as head of player development at Tottenham.
Town have opted for Category Two academy status under the new Elite Player Performance Plan, with an additional �1 million a year investment being made on youth coaching and facilities as a result.
