Backroom team earn big thanks

ATHLETIC’S coaching staff received a collective pat on the back during Lee Johnson’s post-Crawley deliberations.

Having already spoken of the value of having head of youth Tony Philliskirk by his side, the manager’s praise opened up to others as the relief of safety in npower League One sunk in at teatime on Saturday.

Johnson also pushed the credentials of current Athletic players to make the move into

management, such has been their backstage impact.

“They have been fantastic,” said Johnson (31) of his staff. “I count Chris Iwelumo in that. I haven’t played him as much as he would have liked, but he has been a really positive person around the place. He has been helping the young players and one day I know he will be a fantastic manager - sooner rather than later.

“Cliff Byrne as well has been a leader in the dressing room. He has has his injury niggles but has really taken to being another coach. He’s another one destined for a career in coaching and management.

“Then obviously there is Tony Philliskirk, who has been fantastic for me, providing that bit of guiding experience. He knows everything about the club.

“I have really enjoyed working with everyone. The blend of personalities in the staff room, I thank them a lot for that.

“It could have been a situation where you come in and people stab each other in the back. They haven’t.”