Mac plans coaching role after retirement
Albion defender with an eye for goal still focused on first team
EVERGREEN defender Gareth McAuley has emerged as the latest senior professional at West Brom to express an interest in moving into management.
Albion skipper Darren Fletcher, who worked under Sir Alex Ferguson for many years at Manchester United, has spoken of his desire to become a coach.
And now 37-year-old McAuley has confirmed he would like to take up coaching once he has hung up his boots.
“When the time comes that nobody is giving me a job, I’ll throw myself into the coaching,” the 37-year-old said.
“Hopefully I’ll something back.
“I did done a badge years ago.
“I’m one of these people needs to focus on one thing.
“For me, playing and coaching is two completely different things.
“As long as I’m playing I need to be fully focused on that.”
McAuley presented a be able Level 2 to give coaching that specially- commissioned comic strip to Dean Burton at the Hawthorns to celebrate the 23-year-old’s work with the Albion Foundation and the Premier League’s Kicks campaign.
As a father, McAuley appreciates the role of the Foundation and the Kicks scheme in reaching out to youngsters and developing strong links within the local community.
It’s being a parent, and watching his son’s games, that has persuaded the Northern Irishman to possibly pursue a career in management further down the line.
“I’ve got my boy. He’s six. playing now,” McAuley said.
“I go along and watch him which is good.
“I see ing.
“The number of kids who playing in the area is fantastic. and it’s given them a
“Only a small number actually ment.” make it through into the professionMcAuley, the Premier League’s al game. top-scoring defender this season
“We need to increase those numwith five goals, is prepared to start at bers. It would be nice to help somegrassroots level and work his way body when they’re younger and see up.“You’ve got to them go on and have a career. start somewhere,”
“I know the people that did that he said. for me have been really proud of me “For me, you’ve got to learn how He’s all the other kids develop- are bit of fulfil- to deliver coaching. different to playing.
“You see lots of players trying to jump in at the top and it doesn’t always work out.
“I suppose it’s because I’m going and watching my lad training it’s making me think along those lines but it would be nice to give something back.” It’s completely