John Filan delighted to be named Shrewsbury Town’s assistant manager
John Filan is ready to grasp the ‘great opportunity’ handed to him after being named John Askey’s Shrewsbury Town assistant today.
The former Blackburn and Wigan goalkeeper, 48, has worked with Askey at Macclesfield Town for the last couple of seasons.
The Australian, who will be Askey’s No.2 and outfield coach with Danny Coyne remaining in place as goalkeeper coach, has also been in charge of Blackburn’s under-23s.
“I’m very pleased to be here. It’s a great opportunity for myself. I’m very thankful to the manager for his belief to bring me in and for the club to welcome me,” said the Sydney-born former shot-stopper.
“I’ve just had a look at the ground, when walking through the door it’s got the feel of somewhere that is done right.
“It’s a big step. It’s something I’ve always focused on.
“Because of my playing career, people always think ‘goalkeeping coach’ when they hear my name but I’ve never really been that interested.
“I’ve known John for three or four years now. I’ve been into Macclesfield three or four times to help out and been to games.
“He’s a proper football man. I wouldn’t be sitting here if I didn’t believe in him.”
Filan won two caps for Australia before a disagreement with the then-manager meant he made no further appearances for his country.
He was not officially on the books of National League winners Macclesfield but helped coach and watch matches in a voluntary role and has his Uefa A Licence coaching badge.
“My style will be Australian!” Filan smiled. “You’ve just got to be yourself. It’s in my nature to enjoy sport. I’m from a sporting country and am competitive.
“I’m here to help be a bit of a go-between for the players and himself to explain exactly what he wants. “
Askey was pleased to land his right-hand man and thinks the acquisition of Filan will be a boost to the football club.
“Obviously John’s got vast experience playing at the highest level and has done all of his coaching badges,” Askey said.
“He was a big help to me at Macclesfield.
“I’ve known John a couple of years now. He’s someone I trust and is a very good coach.
“He’s a typical Aussie really. Straight-forward, straight to the point and tells you how it is. Sometimes that’s what you need.
“He had a good, long career and he can only give good advice to the younger players. I think it’s good for Shrewsbury Town.
“John’s a footballer. He’s got a good understanding of the game, not just from a goalkeeper point of view, his understanding’s very good and his coaching is very good.
“In Danny we have a very good goalkeeping coach so I didn’t need to bring one in. John’s more for the outfield players.”
Meanwhile, Town’s third friendly of the summer was confirmed as Askey’s men welcome Championship side Brentford to Montgomery Waters Meadow on Saturday, July 21 (3pm kick-off).
