Knox relishing Blackburn Rovers opportunity

11:22am Tuesday 8th July 2008

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ARCHIE Knox insists he is relishing the challenge of trying to emulate what Mark Hughes and his backroom staff achieved during their time at Blackburn.

Knox began his new job as Rovers’ first-team coach yesterday after agreeing to join Paul Ince at the Premier League club.

And although the 61-year-old admits the new-look management team has a hard act to follow, he believes they have the right blend of youth and experience to deliver success.

“I’m ready for it, there’s no question about that,” said Knox.

“The new staff that are involved here are ready and want to do at least as well as Blackburn have done in previous seasons.

“We’ve a hard act to follow, there’s no question about that, but the players are the most important people about the place, and if we can get them in the same frame of mind as they have been, then there’s no reason why we can’t (emulate what our predecessors did).”

A vastly experienced coach who has worked for 11 different clubs, including Manchester United, Rangers and Everton, Knox has been there, done that, and got the t-shirt during a distinguished career north and south of the border.

Now he’s hoping to write another chapter by helping Ince make his mark as a Premier League manager.

“I was on holiday in Florida and got the phone call saying, ‘Would I be interested in the job?’,” said Knox.

“I was more than interested having left Bolton at the end of last season - it’s a fabulous opportunity.

“I know Paul from my days at Manchester United, he’s made a great start in his managerial career, both at Macclesfield and MK Dons, so hopefully he’ll continue it at this level.”