Gardner says that John is the man for the Clan
Former Braehead Clan head coach Paul Gardner has hailed the club’s appointment of John Tripp.
Tripp was confirmed as successor to Ryan Finnerty last week, with Gardner having worked with Tripp in the past.
The two teamed up at German side Hamburg Freezers before coming face- to- face last season as both took charge of opposite sides in the DEL2 with Gardner heading Lowen Frankfurt and Tripp at Eispiraten Crimmitschau.
Gardner, who coached the Clan in 2013, revealed how he sold the Clan to the new man as he weighed up his move.
He said: “John is a good friend of mine and I’m happy he got the job at Braehead.
“I’m pleased for the Purple Army as well because they’re going to really enjoy him.
“He’s a quality person, who is straightforward and upfront. He’s also a hard worker and his good qualities as a player will carry over to his coaching side.
“John came to me and I had nothing but great things to say about my own experience there. I told him it would be a great place to play and to coach.
“I’ve never made any secret of the fact that I would love to go back to the league in the UK and I wish I could have stayed on longer in Glasgow, but it didn’t happen.
“I told him the fans were great and love the game. For him and his family, it’s a good area to live in and the league is full of quality hockey.
“I spoke with the club a couple of times when they asked about John and I recommended him highly and I think he’ll be a great young coach, who’ll be there for a long time I hope.”