Gerrard back on home turf

PAUL DICKOV . . . has kept a close eye on Gerrard’s career.

Ex-Athletic ’keeper lands coaching role

PAUL GERRARD is back at Boundary Park after nearly 14 years away.

He has been appointed Athletic’s part-time goalkeeping coach, and will run his eye over the club’s shot-stoppers two days a week as well as being present on match days.

Manager Paul Dickov is delighted to have Gerrard as a member of his backroom team.

“Paul was a fantastic ’keeper as I know from playing against him and also having him as a team-mate at Blackpool,” Dickov said.

“He has played at the highest level and fits into what I want in having people here who are young and hungry.

“Goalkeeping is a specialised position and I am sure our ’keepers will benefit from working with him.”

Heywood-based Gerrard made his debut for Athletic in the Premier League and went on to make 119 appearances before moving to Everton in a £1 million deal in 1996.

In a fine career which included 18 caps for England under-21s, he went on to play for Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United, Oxford United, Ipswich and Blackpool.

He finally called time on his playing days in the summer, and is looking forward to working at Boundary Park again.

Gerrard said: “It feels strange, but it is nice to be be back where it all started.

“I joined Latics as a 13-year-old and I made by debut in the Premier League, aged 19, which was a baptism of fire.

“I had some great years here. I was lucky Joe Royle had the confidence and belief to put me in the team at such an early age and it stood me in good stead for when I joined Everton.”

Gerrard (37) already has experience in coaching.

He worked with the goalkeepers at Everton’s Academy, where he teamed up with Gary Ablett.

Ablett later became Stockport County manager and asked Gerrard to be a member of his backroom team at Edgeley Park.




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