Captain Lockwood’s a manager of the future

ADAM LOCKWOOD

LEE Johnson believes Adam Lockwood is a football manager of the future.

Wakefield-born Lockwood (33) remains Athletic’s club captain but he hasn’t featured at all for the first-team this season due to injury. The commanding centre half played a pivotal role in Athletic’s long unbeaten run at the end of last season.

Lockwood might already be preparing for a post-playing career: he is studying for his UEFA coaching qualifications.

Athletic manager Johnson is confident a high-profile leadership role will beckon before long.

Johnson said: “It’s been tough for Locky because he is struggling to get a game. He’s still training, but his injury is clearly a problem and it’s an ongoing thing. He’s definitely a manager or coach in the making.”

Johnson revealed Lockwood is destined to extend his football career beyond playing, and there have already been offers.

“Locky’s got a few options even at this stage,” added Johnson. “He may go down the agent route, but a coach or a manager is definitely a role he’d be good at. He’s a big football man - a great guy dedicated to his career. I’d certainly have no hesitation helping him if ever I could.”

Lockwood began his professional career with Reading in the late 1990s. He went on to play for Yeovil and Doncaster Rovers before moving to Bury. He joined Latics last year on a free transfer.