Shay is a big fan of boss Kolo
SHAY GIVEN has no doubts Kolo Toure has the credentials to shine as a manager.
Ex-arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool defender Toure, 41, was the surprise appointment as new Wigan Athletic boss on Tuesday.
And former Republic of Ireland international shotstopper Given (below), who played with Toure at City, believes his former teammate can be a big success for the Latics.
“He’s a great guy and got a big reputation because of what he’s achieved in the game,” said Given, who played 50 games for the Blues, many alongside Toure.
“It’s a big opportunity for him. It came a bit out of the blue, but he’s obviously got big aspirations to be successful as a manager.
“He was a great player, but he’ll know it’s a totally different ball-game becoming a manager.
Unforgiving
“I was a coach with Derby for three years and you quickly discover the Championship is very unforgiving and there’s a lot of other things to consider as a manager.
“But I hope he does really well.
“It’s not easy getting a job these days, there were probably 50-100 people who applied for that job.”
With Arsenal, Toure won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and was part of the “Invincibles” team of 2003–04, who went the entire league season undefeated.
He has penned a threeand-a-half year deal at the DW Stadium and takes over with Wigan languishing 22nd in the table.
His first game in charge is expected to be a tough away trip to Millwall next Saturday.
“The experiences that I have amassed under Brendan Rodgers at Leicester have been invaluable,” admitted Toure.
“I’m sure they will help me in this next chapter of my career.”