Plymouth appoint Williamson to build on Sturrock's success

Jim van Wijk
Tuesday 20 April 2004 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Bobby Williamson does not intend to change a winning formula at Plymouth Argyle just yet.

The former Hibernian manager was yesterday unveiled as the new manager at Home Park, where he inherited a side top of the Second Division and which could secure the championship at the weekend.

Under Paul Sturrock, who left for Southampton in March, the Pilgrims were moulded into a side capable of sustaining a promotion challenge for a return to England's second tier for the first time since 1992.

Despite a 4-1 drubbing at Oldham last time out, Plymouth can secure promotion and the championship should they beat second-placed Queen's Park Rangers at home on Saturday.

There have been suggestions that the new manager will bring his assistants, Jim Clark and Gerry McCabe, with him. But Williamson said he could well stick with the current coaches Kevin Summerfield and John Blackley, who will be in charge of team affairs this weekend.

"I'll speak to the coaching staff and see what they have got planned," he said. "If I feel I need to change it, I'll change it, but I don't plan on upsetting the cart too much, because everything's been going well.

"It was a disappointing result at the weekend, but I'll speak to Kevin and John and find out what their plans are. I think I'll oversee things and let these two guys carry on the good work they have been doing."

Williamson failed to find full favour with Hibernian supporters since replacing Franck Sauzee at the club. However, he did guide the club to the CIS Insurance Cup final last month after defeating both halves of the Old Firm as they progressed, although Hibs were beaten 2-0 in the final by Livingston

"It's been very difficult," the 42-year-old Glaswegian said. "The press north of the border have been pestering me to find out what's happening, but I'm a great believer in not saying anything until everything's completed.

"It was a big decision to leave Hibernian, but this is a club which is moving forward - Paul Sturrock, John Blackley and Kevin Summerfield have done a tremendous job and we are on the verge of promotion.

"I've been keeping an eye on things down here and been very envious of what Paul's been achieving, and I'm delighted to be here."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in