John Deehan set to get to work improving Plymouth Argyle
DIRECTOR of football John Deehan will not be involved in coaching or team selection at Plymouth Argyle.
Instead, his role is to provide advice and support for first-time manager Carl Fletcher and his coaching staff of Romain Larrieu and Kevin Nancekivell.
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Deehan, 54, was appointed on Wednesday and will watch from the directors' box when Argyle play away to Port Vale tomorrow (3pm).
Fletcher, at the age of 31 the second-youngest manager in the Football League, revealed Deehan had been recommended to him by Sean O'Driscoll, the former Bournemouth and Doncaster Rovers manager.
O'Driscoll was set to take on the 'mentor' role to Fletcher until he was offered the chance to become first team coach at Nottingham Forest.
Fletcher also consulted with Birmingham City assistant boss, Colin Calderwood, who was manager at Northampton Town when Deehan was the director of football there.
Deehan has arrived at Home Park with Argyle 22nd in the League Two table, one point above the relegation zone.
The former Norwich City and Wigan Athletic manager has signed a contract until the end of this season.
Fletcher said: "We are making sure we don't leave any stone unturned and doing everything in our power to get the right results.
"John won't be doing any coaching or team selection, or anything like that. It's just another set of eyes for us.
"Like I said, if he comes in and sees one thing that helps the team, then it's definitely worthwhile."
Deehan had been out of football since leaving Grimsby Town in May 2010, after a short spell as their head of recruitment.
In that role he worked with Grimsby manager Neil Woods and his assistant, Chris Casper.
Fletcher had not come across Deehan before until he was recommended to him by O'Driscoll.
"Sean is someone I trust and respect," said Fletcher, who took over as the Pilgrims' boss from Peter Reid last September.
He added: "I know the manager (Calderwood) and his assistant at Northampton when John was there, and I spoke to them and got their opinion on him. It's the same with anyone we try to bring into the football club. You ask as many people as you can about them. That's all you can do.
"Like I said, we are making sure we have got the best chance for the football club."
Meanwhile, Argyle have extended the loan of Blackpool right-back Paul Bignot until the end of the season, subject to Football League and FA approval.
Fletcher said: "It's great for us. He has enjoyed it down here and we have enjoyed having him."
Bignot, 25, has made nine appearances for the Pilgrims since signing for them at the start of November.
However, on-loan Blackpool striker Craig Sutherland will be leaving Argyle after the game against Port Vale.
The 23-year-old has failed to get any goals in five starts and three substitute appearances.
Fletcher has not ruled out making further additions to his squad before the January transfer window shuts next Tuesday.
But he is operating under financial restrictions, including the League Two salary cap, which allows clubs to spend only a maximum of 55 per cent of their income on player salaries.
Fletcher said: "We are always looking to improve. We have just got to make sure it's right for everyone involved."
A week after the transfer window shuts, clubs in the Football League will be able to resume making 'emergency loan' signings.
They will be able to do that up until late March.
4 Comments
by billhicks1
Friday, January 27 2012, 5:32PM
“"John won't be doing any coaching or team-selection, or anything like that. It's just another set of eyes for us with a bit of experience.
Oh nice work if you can get it.
And you can get it -- if you try.”
by Nikgee
Friday, January 27 2012, 3:29PM
“Twas all in light hearted humour... and many people sympathise with Argyles lowly position”
by eddie_taylor
Friday, January 27 2012, 10:12AM
“Nikgee, you must be travelling on the wrong underground lines; I also live and travel in London, when wearing my Argyle replica kit other fans are pleasant, full of praise for the loyalty of Argyle fans and wish me, on behalf of the club, all the very best and good luck in try to escape relegation. I do share light hearted banter with them, but in the right context of fun and without animosity. This footballing fans friendship is also extended to me and my mate on other forms of public transport, we enjoy our match days from the time we leave home until we arrive back again.
As for the above article, it sounds as if Fletcher has the correct working relationship with John Deehan, but then John's role was possibly made clear to him before signing up. Someone watching from a distance can often see a different picture and point out weaknesses in a constructive manner. Although it is a short term contract for JD, it could prove to be a good endorsement on his CV, bearing in mind we are currently in a relegation battle with other teams equally as determined to miss the drop. Under Fletcher the future looks more promising and we have picked up some momentum, which is seeing us move in the right direction at last. I, and lots of other fans, possibly including Fletcher himself, would like to see our attacking options improved with the addition of another forward in the ilk of Chadders, but without the injury problems.
Fletch, good luck in the transfer market or emergency loan period; done rush into anything and only recruit players who will add strength to the squad.”
by Nikgee
Friday, January 27 2012, 9:24AM
“Please for the sake of the fans concentrate on avoiding relegation. I am proud to be an Argyle fan, but it is becoming a bit of a joke when people take pictures of me wearing my scarf when on the London underground and laughing at me... it won't stop me wearing my scarf though!”