New Sydney FC Head Coach Ian Crook has worked alongside some of the best players and managers to have graced the game. Here’s what they had to say about him.
New Sydney FC Head Coach Ian Crook has worked alongside some of the best players and managers to have graced the game. Here’s what they had to say about him.
Dwight Yorke, Sydney FC 2005/06 Marquee Player and Captain during Ian Crook-s time as Assistant Coach.
“He-s a fantastic guy, he knows the football game and has huge experience in the English Premier League and around the world.
“When I was playing for Sydney FC, Crooky was always there to help me when I needed advice. He knows people-s strengths and weaknesses and he always got the best out of me.”
“I have no doubt he will be a huge success and we-ll see a massive improvement in Sydney FC next season. With the players he has, I think they will either win or go very close to winning the A-League.”
Martin O-Neill, current Premier League manager at Sunderland AFC.
“I knew him when I was manager at Norwich City Football Club. He had excellent ability and was a very intelligent player as well as being really passionate about football. I always felt he would go into coaching as it was pretty obvious he had the abilities.
“He has great respect from his peers and is extremely well thought of as a person and as a player, which is down to his character.
“He cares deeply about the game, winning and losing matter to him. I think he will be a success and wish him good luck.”
Pierre Littbarski, Sydney FC-s 2005/06 Championship winning coach and three time World Cup Finalist, winning one.
“I worked with Ian for a year and a half and he always did a fantastic job. He has good knowledge and a great ability at combining younger and older players into a team.
“The players enjoyed his coaching sessions because they were not only fun, they were quality. Everything he did had a meaning and was focused on the game, it was very intelligent football.
“He is good at talking to people. There were a lot of players at Sydney FC during my time who weren-t picked to play and Crooky had that great skill of man-managing them.
“He loves passing football and I think he will be a success, for sure.”
Steve Bruce, former Sunderland and Wigan Premier League manager, and Manchester United EPL winning captain. A former team mate of Ian Crook.
“First and foremost Ian was a really talented footballer, and I mean really, really talented. He was in the mould of Glenn Hoddle and I think people will enjoy the way he wants his team to play.
“He has got huge amounts of football knowledge and coaching experience internationally. He was a wonderful player, knows the game inside out and I-m sure he-ll do very, very well.”
Follow Ian Crook on Twitter – @chippycrook63
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