FIRST team coach Bryan Klug summed up his part in the new Ipswich management set-up today when he said: “I won't be a yes man!”

By Mel Henderson

FIRST team coach Bryan Klug summed up his part in the new Ipswich management set-up today when he said: “I won't be a yes man!”

Former academy manager Klug, 45, was unveiled yesterday alongside boss Jim Magilton, who was the main focus of media attention as he stepped into the void created by Joe Royle's exit last month.

Klug is steeped in the Ipswich tradition, having initially joined the club straight from school in 1977 when Bobby Robson was in charge, and is excited at his move to the forefront of the Portman Road operation.

He said: “I won't be a yes man because that would be no good for anyone.

“Jim doesn't want that and he knows he won't get that.

“Jim came to me a few weeks ago, said he was going to go for the job and asked if I would support him as first team coach. I agreed because, to be honest, I felt we could do as good a job as anyone else.

“This will mean a complete change of lifestyle for me. I had got used to my job with the academy and I think I did it well. The challenge for me now is to be the best I can be and, hopefully, to succeed at first team level.

“Anyone who knows Jim will understand that he will be his own man. Maybe it will be my role to be the voice of reason but Jim won't be afraid to make decisions.”

The new management team will be completed in the next few days, when a chief scout to replace the outgoing Colin Suggett will be appointed.

Klug added: “Jim knows exactly who he wants and it is important for the club that the team behind the team is in place as soon as possible.

“We are talking about players we have identified as possible targets - people who will strengthen the team - but everyone knows we don't have a massive budget and it will be a question of who we can afford to bring in.

“Most of the pre-season plans were already made but Jim and I will add a twist to it and put our blueprint on it if you like.”

Klug, one of the country's most highly qualified coaches, played down Magilton's lack of experience in that area.

He said: “Jim is not the rookie that some people seem to think. He has a lot of coaching experience and he's a good coach, even if he doesn't have all the certificates.

“During the last six or seven years he has put in a lot of time with young players at this club. I have always been able to go to Jim and seek advice for academy boys and he has always been quick to offer it and help them one to one.

“Also, look at the time he has spent on training grounds throughout his career, working with a lot of top managers.

“He's currently doing his UEFA B licence and it's a fast-track situation where we will push him along - but Jim won't need much pushing.”