Fox keen to strike Mulgrew balance

Liam Fox admits Charlie Mulgrew’s role on the training pitch will vary depending on whether he is playing for Dundee United.

The former Celtic and Scotland defender was named Tannadice firstteam coach earlier this month, effectively succeeding the departed Adam Asghar.

Mulgrew, 36, possesses his Uefa ‘A’ Licence and has already been helping head coach Fox and his assistant Stevie Crawford during sessions.

However, the experienced defender will combine his new role with continued playing commitments and — with Mulgrew now back in training following a thigh strain — it is a balance Fox is happy to strike.

“It’s going to be a bit of a different role because we will need Charlie on the pitch,” said the United boss.

“He still has plenty to contribute on that front.

“He’s been working with us the last few weeks, doing bits and pieces of coaching with the players. It has been good and very positive.

“What he’s doing — and how much — will depend on whether he’s playing, because he will obviously have another workload to manage.”

Liam Fox admits Charlie Mulgrew’s role on the training pitch will vary depending on whether he is playing for Dundee United.

The former Celtic and Scotland defender was named Tannadice first team coach earlier this month, effectively succeeding the departed Adam Asghar.

Mulgrew, 36, possesses his Uefa ‘A’ Licence and has already been helping head coach Fox and his assistant Stevie Crawford during sessions.

However, the experienced defender will combine his new role with continued playing commitments and – with Mulgrew now back in training following a thigh strain – it is a balance Fox is happy to strike.

“It’s going to be a bit of a different role because we will need Charlie on the pitch,” said the United boss. “He still has plenty to contribute on that front.

“He’s been working with us the last few weeks, doing bits and pieces of coaching with the players.

“What he’s doing – and how much – will depend on whether he’s playing, because he will obviously have another workload to manage.”

United players were afforded a brief holiday following their Premiership defeat against Aberdeen.

Sitting bottom of the table for the World Cup break, it was hoped the hiatus would allow them to recharge and refocus.

However, they were back in training yesterday.

“Everyone is back training,” said Fox.

“They all had things to do while they were off and they’ve all returned in good shape.

“I was happy with how we were performing before the break but now it’s a chance to get some work in and prepare for the next block of games.

“We will be working extremely hard in the next few weeks before the Livingston game.”