FC Halifax Town manager Jamie Fullarton believes that the arrival of goalkeeping coach Phil Hughes will be vital for the squad as they enter a crucial final two month of the season.
Hughes, formerly of Leeds United during his player career, joins the team with Fullarton also as assistant manager ahead of Saturday’s away trip to Woking.
Fullarton thinks it’s important to have a goalkeeping specialist in the group and moved quickly to address the situation.
“I noticed that we didn’t have a goalkeeper coach and I realise that it is one of the most important and specialised positions within the team,” Fullarton told the official website.
“I felt it was something that we had to do quickly.”
Hughes is a former goalkeeper who came through the ranks at Manchester United and played over 90 times for Wigan Athletic.
Fullarton feels it is as important to have a balance in the coaching staff as well as with the players.
“Whether it is on or off the pitch, it is a team that you are building,” the boss continued.
“The team cannot play with nine centre forwards, and it is the same with backroom staff.”
“You need to have different skill sets to make us better, as well as the personality when contributing and Phil ticks all of those boxes.”
The former Notts County boss thinks that Hughes’ experience will benefit the club’s senior keepers as well as those coming through the youth academy.
Under-19’s keeper Jack Atkinson made his first team debut against Selby Town in December and has been training with the first team since last year. Fellow youth player Carl Rushworth also began training in the first team set up earlier this week.
“We were fortunate enough to get someone of Phil’s quality and calibre, not only the levels that he has played at but the level that he has coached at and the goalkeepers that he has worked with.” Fullarton said.
“I think all goalkeepers at the club, even the young ones coming in from the academy will benefit from his experience and his expertise in that area.
“It is something that I as a coach do not have in my armoury, so he is a very good edition to the coaching staff.”
Read more posts by FC Halifax Town
;
