Steven Whittaker has delivered a real insight into Scott Brown as a manager.
The legendary Celtic skipper has completed his first year in the dugout as the main man in a solid debut campaign at Fleetwood Town. A mid-table finish in English League One and a fairy tale FA Cup run that ended in last minute heartbreak against now EPL outfit Burnley are big highlights in a rollercoaster 12 months for the Hoops hero.
The Cod Army No2 - who was with Brown at Hibs and the Scotland set up - admits a lot of his playing style has been adapted to his management with his team hard working, organised and honest. His temper on the park was a right in your face type of player and he expects that same mentality off his squad but as a person off it he is the complete opposite.
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The Fleetwood duo are now gearing up for a second season in the dugout together as they get set for pre-season before the competitive action begins in the not so distant future. Speaking about Brown, Whittaker told the Daily Record: “Scott has done brilliantly in the job.
“He has brought a lot of how he played to management. He wants his team to be hard working, organised, honest. He’s probably a lot calmer in and around the changing room. But if someone needs telling then, just as he did as player, he’s not shy to do that.
“People saw him on the park as a player – in your face, up tight and into tackles. He expects his team to do all that. But as a person, off the pitch and when talking to the team, he’s calm and tactical.
“Everyone knows their roles and organisation within the team. He’s had to think about that side of things but has adapted extremely well. If you’re fair with him and doing what he’s asked of you the best you can, he will 100 per cent be fair to you. Those are the standards he expected from his team-mates throughout the years so he’ll be exactly the same as a manager.”
He continued: “It’s Scott’s first time in the role and I’m a young coach. It’s all about progressing and continuing to push. We’re still different personalities on and off the pitch.
“Scott is probably more reactive and short-tempered than what I am. I’m a bit more reserved in certain ways, have a different thought process. But I feel we bounce off each other really well. Scott can keep them on their toes for sure.
“If I’m not happy with stuff I see on the field, I’m not shy of telling people either. So it’s flipped at times as well. There’s nothing wrong with me setting the standards at times too. That’s the thing between us. If I’m saying something, he’s listening and respecting it and vice versa. So there’s trust between us. It’s just backing each other and it’s a good partnership, on balance.”
