Manager Richie Wellens has strengthened his backroom staff with the additions of Paul Jewell as Assistant Manager and Paul Terry as First Team Coach.
Jewell has vast experience in management having coached at the highest level with Bradford City and Wigan Athletic, whilst Terry takes his first steps into first team coaching following a playing career at mainly Dagenham & Redbridge, Yeovil Town and Leyton Orient.
Wellens was delighted to have both on board and said: “Paul Terry has been with us for around eight weeks now and the reserves need someone who is young and enthusiastic and wants to learn. He is starting out pretty much as I am and Paul Jewell has good experience and Paul Terry will lean on him for guidance.
“It was important that I got someone in who isn’t my mate which is what a lot of people do. I’ve known Paul a long time because I played for him but we didn’t have a close relationship.
“I want to stay in this game for a long time so I felt it was important to get someone in who has been through what I’ve been through, seen it, done it and is respected.
“When I spoke to Paul [Jewell] about football I can sense the passion in his voice. He has been successful at this level and levels above so we need to lean on his experience now. It’s an important appointment and I’m looking forward to building a relationship and seeing where it goes.”
Jewell added: “I’ve been out the game for a long time now but I’ve not had my eyes closed. I’ve been watching games and a role like this is something I think I can fulfil. I don’t want to be the manager and Richie is new to the job. I was 33 when I got my first job and you are never ready. I thought I was but you have no idea what it entails.
“I’m only here to do what he wants me to do. You have to make mistakes to learn from them but there are some that are avoidable. If I can help Richie avoid those mistakes that I made and a lot of managers make then that’s what I want to do.
“We lose too many good managers early because they haven’t got enough help around them. I’m just here to do what he wants to do whether that be coaching, watching games, dealing with the press, whatever he wants, I’m here. One thing which is certain, he’s the boss, not me.”
Terry said: “Richie has given me the chance to come in and support him in any way he needs me. We have Paul’s experience to lean on and we are going to need that in the coming weeks and for the rest of the season. I’m looking forward to it, it’s a really exciting time and it’s a good time to be here.”
All three will be on the touchline for this weekend’s long away trip to Southend United.
Welcome on board.