Steve Clarke – gold in the other bowl of the balance

I love the appointment of Steve Clarke as first team coach!
It must be the best signing the club has made in years and maybe one of the best “value for money” signings of any club this year. It would have been a great coup even before Zola’s arrival but now it’s pure genius.

One can argue that few people have had the opportunity to witness the change in the English game as closely as Clarke, both as player and coach at the top level. This experience will be invaluable to Zola.

Knowing where Zola comes from is also important. He will know exactly what Zola has missed during the years in the provinces and will get him up to speed and “fine tune” him on the demands of the modern club game at senior level.
Also, being highly rated and respected by the players (as rumour has it especially by the English contingent) during his coaching period, should be perfect for reassuring players possibly worried about the new reign, that there is one with the managers ear that is not all vision but knows how to get stuff sorted.

His tactical side may also be very important. His reputation as a defensive coach seem to ascertain that he can balance the attacking mind of Gianfranco, making sure that Zola will not go astray trying to initiate the “exiting game” he wants the team to play.

Another facet of the gem is that he must have great contacts with promising Chelsea players not given a chance of first team football due to the “buy expensive” strategy in place at Stamford bridge. Those contacts may be as valuable as Kia’s and Nanis for recruiting exciting young talent.
The fact that he worked closely with the overrated but decent “Special One” will not be something I will hold against him either ;-)

Chances are that we will not understand his impact since the number 2 spot doesn’t get the recognition it deserves but I think that "under" Zola, Clarke could be the most important and influential number 2 in the premiership.
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