News that Gary Holt has joined Falkirk as their new head coach…
Gary Holt, ex-canary midfielder and current academy development coach has left Norwich City to become the new head coach of Falkirk FC.
In a statement from the Scottish First Division Club Holt said, “It`s an exciting move for me. I`ve worked under some good managers and learned a lot. Their advice was always the same – get your coaching badges and work hard. That has proved to be correct.”
“As time went on, I felt that after three years good experience as a reserve and youth coach, I was ready to make the move into management. It was a case of finding the right club at the right time so I am delighted that I have the opportunity to coach Falkirk at this early stage of my management career.”
“I was particularly attracted to the infrastructure and Academy set-up at Falkirk and working with good, young players. It may be a cliché but I agree with the sentiments that if you are good enough, then you are old enough.”
Gary Holt has a wealth of experience in football. His own youth career saw him serve both Stoke City and Celtic before he joined Kilmarnock in 1995 and featured in over 150 games. His next port of call was Norwich City, moving for £135,000 six years later. He has also spent time at Nottingham Forest and Wycombe Wanderers.
Chairman Martin Ritchie added, ” We went through a rigorous selection process, with a very clear idea of what we were looking for to take the Club forward. All of the short-listed candidates were of a very high standard but Gary came through strongest as a committed, enthusiastic and knowledgeable individual. We believe he has the drive and the ambition to build on what we have and take us to a new level.”
“We`re delighted that he has agreed to take up the position of Head Coach.”
Holt will take over next Monday, which means that his first game in charge will be against Hibs in the Scottish Cup semi-final on April 13th.
I sort of know Holty as he lives near to me and his kids go to the same school as mine (well, we say hello in the playground, anyway) and he seems like a nice fella, who does a lot for his community – He recently arranged for Grant Holt and Russell Martin to come to the school to judge a baking competition.
He is fondly remembered as being a tough, tenacious player who had a great partnership with Damien Francis in the centre of the park during our 2003/2004 promotion season, earning him the nickname ‘three lungs’.
Naturally we wish him all the best for this next rung on the football ladder.
OTBC