Big Mick and the Molineux managerial masterclass

The Molineux fixture between Wolves and Queens Park Rangers on March 22nd, 2008, isn’t one that fans would readily remember.

And that’s even though it finished in an entertaining 3-3 draw thanks to Andy Keogh’s 95th minute equaliser.

Wolves went on to miss out on the play-offs by just one goal of goal difference – the title triumph would come a year later – and QPR finished 14th.

But within the back four selected by Mick McCarthy that day, now lies a quartet of coaches and managers heading into a big season on the next stage of their respective post-playing careers.

Because lining up in front of Wayne Hennessey that day, from right to left, were Kevin Foley, Rob Edwards, Neill Collins and George Elokobi.

Edwards is now heading into his first Premier League season as a Head Coach with Luton, and Foley, his first as transitional coach at the same club, back where he came through the academy and won the Young Player of the Year award three years in succession.

Talking of transition, Elokobi is preparing for his first full season aiming to change the fortunes of a Maidstone side who have been on something of a downward spiral, whilst Collins, after just over five successful years as Head Coach of Tampa Bay Rowdies in America, has landed his first opportunity back in England with League One promotion-chasers Barnsley.

Four different defenders. Four different challenges. But four characters who will certainly relish what lies in store.

Of course, every aspiring coach and manager will have taken parts from their own former bosses to take into their roles, utilising experiences - good or bad - as part of shaping their own respective approaches.

That so many, including that quartet, speak so fondly of the time spent and knowledge gained under McCarthy and his Wolves coach Terry Connor, suggests it is no coincidence that such a substantial group from that era have stayed in the game in various capacities.

Some, including ex-captain Karl Henry, are just setting off on their journeys, in his case in implementing a possession-based style of play at grass roots levels within the junior set-up at Boldmere St Michaels and his own Academy.

“I think it can happen with certain groups of players, where a lot of them go into coaching and management,” says Henry.

“With the type of players that Mick McCarthy recruited, there was a certain mentality and the leadership qualities among the players who wanted to try and affect things for the better – and would back themselves to do so.

“There were a lot of strong characters, and Mick was never afraid to bring players in who had something to say.

“While the kind of players Mick recruited was one thing – on the other side was the influence of Mick and ‘TC’ themselves.

“I look back on all my different managers and coaches and I took a lot from them but Mick had the biggest impact on my career.

“Mick and TC were both good people, first and foremost, and Mick was also a force to be reckoned with.

“He was such a presence that his coaching style and his man management was always going to have an impact.

“Some might have felt Mick ruled with an iron fist, and I remember some older players coming to us from different clubs who felt there was little room to manoeuvre!

“But we were all ok with that, and I am sure a lot of the values that Mick showed will be reflected on those managers and coaches who worked under him who are now coming to the fore.”

The roll call of those from the McCarthy era – both before and after the Championship title – who are now aiming to make their mark, is considerable.

On top of the aforementioned quartet, Henry’s former midfield partner David Jones is well into an exciting challenge as coach at Wrexham, Matt Hill is heading into a third season as manager of Stafford Rangers, Christophe Berra is between jobs having been coaching at Livingston, Roger Johnson was boss at Brackley Town last season, Andrew Surman is working at Bournemouth’s Academy, Richard Stearman has his badges ready for when he eventually hangs up his boots.

The list goes on. Stephen Ward has recently been appointed Director of Football at Solihull Moors, Keogh is Head of Recruitment in Australia with Perth Glory, and so many others have stayed in the game whether as agents or within the media.

But what of the man himself? Or more the point, manager. Could he ever have envisaged that so many under his charge at Molineux would have the appetite to try and follow in his footsteps? Is there a sense of pride that some have spoken about using what they learned from working under him?

“Well that’s nice to hear,” says McCarthy, a manager with over 1000 games under his belt at club and international level.

“I think we all take bits from managers and coaches we worked with – and probably sack some bits off as well - I’m not sure which bits of me they have all sacked off!

“Whether I have influenced them I don’t know, but all those lads – Rob, Neill, George, Foles, Karl – all of them, they had a character and work ethic where they wanted to succeed.