Hull City: Steve Wigley's England coaching role 'well deserved', says Barmby
HULL City first-team coach Steve Wigley will answer the call of his country and join Stuart Pearce's backroom team for England's friendly with Holland next week.
Wigley has been given permission by City boss Nick Barmby to help form a makeshift coaching staff for the visit of the Netherlands to Wembley in eight days.
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Steve Wigley with Stuart Pearce
The first fixture since Fabio Capello's shock departure earlier this month will see under-21s boss Pearce take charge of the friendly and he has turned to trusted assistant Wigley.
The 50-year-old will join up with the England camp on Sunday ahead of the Holland fixture before returning to East Yorkshire ahead of City's trip to Blackpool on March 2.
"It's well deserved for Steve. He's served his time at under-21s level so to be assistant manager of the first team is a fantastic achievement," said Barmby.
"You don't get that honour easily but it doesn't surprise me at all.
"The lads here love him to bits. The way he conducts himself, he'll not like me for giving him a mention but he needs congratulating. Everyone at the club is delighted for him because he's a very popular fella. It's also a great feather in our cap to have England's assistant manager on our coaching team."
Wigley has been a trusted aide to Barmby since rejoining the Tigers' coaching staff following the exit of Nigel Pearson in November.
After previously working under Iain Dowie at the KC Stadium in 2010, Wigley teamed up with Stuart Watkiss to form Barmby's experienced support network.
His close relationship with Pearce, built during spells with Manchester City and England under-21s, has now paved the way for the biggest night of Wigley's coaching career.
The Wembley date will see England step up their preparations for Euro 2012 in the wake of Capello's exit and Barmby believes Wigley has all the qualities needed to make the step up.
"He's been great for me," added Barmby.
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2 Comments
by killercbrn
Tuesday, February 21 2012, 4:40PM
“The Gift that just keeps giving, Hull City, finally getting some recognition, Steve Wigley is a top bloke, the only way is up for this team, Barmby was not my first choice as manager, but he is surrounding himself with quality coaches, and that is to be applauded, perhaps not this season, but a couple more quality signings and automatic next season should be a realistic goal. UTT”
by PJMtigerman
Tuesday, February 21 2012, 11:27AM
“Good for Steve Wigley. It's a feather in his cap and should be encouraged. It can only be good for Hull City and the players knowing that an international standard and England coach is on the City staff.”