Investigate: Uncovering Details on the Subject Matter
In an exclusive natter with Coin Poker, Scottish football icon Colin Hendry dishes on Rovers, Russell Martin's new gig at Rangers, and ponders over former gigs like Manchester City, Bolton, Coventry, and more. He weighs in on the exciting prospects for the Tartan Army in the 2026 World Cup in North America, too!
Manchester City
Q: With success stories like Palmer, Porro, Delap, Rogers, and Chelsea-bound Gittens - should City be hesitant about letting their academy talent exit so freely? Could Pep Guardiola have been focusing more on homegrown players for his current rebuild rather than splashing the cash this summer?
A: Pep Guardiola had a conundrum with those gifted youngsters, no denying that, but integrating more than one into a title-winning team was a challenge. Successful managers usually lean on experience. Players like Porro, Delap, Rogers, each developed at different paces. Pep isn't one to stop a blooming player, making the right call most of the time. The one that stings the most is Cole Palmer, but who's to say Palmer would've been the player he is now had he stayed at City? Same for Morgan Rogers at Villa. City earn good money for these players and have sell-on clauses, so they can hardly complain. Fans want to see homegrown lads in the team, but I don't think they can fault Pep too much either.
Q: Would you back a Pogba punt? Guardiola's been interested in the past...
A: What has Pogba been up to these days? There are many doubts about his ability and his position as a player, given his inconsistency. At Juventus, he wasn't exactly brillliant, so I'm not sure if I'd take that risk if I were Pep. Most top-level managers don't take chances on players who've been absent for a while, no matter how big their names are. I'm pulling for Pogba to come back and prove everyone wrong, but I don't think Manchester City is the best fit for him.
Q: Is it time for Jack Grealish to find pastures new? If so, who would you choose?
A: looks like Grealish's days at City might be numbered. He didn't get much game time last season, and it'll be a big summer for him. He's a player I've followed for a long time - when he was a young gun at Villa, he was miles ahead of everyone. Now he's had an incredible career. He gets unfair treatment sometimes - people have misconceptions about him that aren't true. You can't win what he's won and have the career he's had - moving to City, winning the treble - without something about you. He's been a scapegoat sometimes. He's an excellent footballer and soon he'll have to make a big decision about his career. I want to see him prove everyone wrong, whether it's in the Premier League, maybe a return to Aston Villa, or somewhere on the continent. Whoever gets him will be getting a top-tier player. Arsenal could be a good fit for him, as they're in need of a creative spark.
Coventry
Q: Frank Lampard needs to up his game next season to achieve the same success. How can he do that?
A: anything can happen in the Championship - we saw Blackburn slip and change managers like Coventry, but unfortunately, they couldn't make it to the top six. That league is a battlefield - 46 grueling matches, a fight to stay competitive. The coaching aspect is hard during the preseason as it's difficult to change things once the season starts. Frank has done a great job, phenomenal work actually, but the fans have high expectations for Coventry to take the next step, and that's not an easy task.
Blackburn
Q: Thirty years have passed since Rovers won the PL - what are your fondest memories from that day at Anfield?
A: nothing but one memory comes to mind - the final whistle. I can't recall much beyond that - there were just painful memories. In the lead-up to the match, we were at a hotel the whole day, and the anticipation was intense. Liverpool equalized, scored again to lead 2-1, Chris Sutton missed an opportunity in front of the Kop. I'd have thought that was the game for Liverpool, but the fans were supportive because they didn't want United to win the title. Ultimately, it was a nerve-wracking, crazy day, one I can barely remember. Jack Walker was a local lad who succeeded and took over the club, a comparison can be made there. It's a dream that Wrexham are aiming for, they've been climbing the ranks and eyeing the Premier League. I'd like to think you can live the dream, that's what football's all about. But the Premier League giants are only getting bigger, and it's hard for smaller teams to keep up these days.
Q: Do you think a similar achievement is possible now - a boyhood fan taking over a club and winning the PL?
A: I don't know the guy who bought Oldham, Frank Rothwell, but he's taken his team into the Football League. There is a similarity there - a local, self-made lad, but he's a long way off from the Premier League. Another club to watch is Wrexham, they're rising up the ranks and have their eyes on the Premier League. It's a stable club with ambitious owners, everything's working well. I'd like to think you can live the dream, but the Premier League behemoths are getting bigger, so it's unlikely.
Q: What did you make of Alan Shearer joining Newcastle instead of Manchester United?
A: Alan was close-lipped about the rumors and speculation. I worked with him as a teammate, but he never discussed the transfer talks. He was focused on scoring goals. To be fair, I don't think he's had regrets about going back to Newcastle. It's his hometown, and while he could have joined United, that move wasn't a good fit because of the rivalry between the North West clubs. In the end, I think he was quite content with his decision. Newcastle winning the Carabao Cup this season was one of the best moments in his career. He's a Newcastle loyalist, and you can't deny that.
Q: He's the king of Newcastle, no denying...
Rangers
Q: Russell Martin's appointment as Rangers boss - a successful move or a culture shock at Ibrox?
A: He played for Rangers, so it shouldn't be too much of a shock for him. He knows the passion of the fans and what's required to manage the team. Managing Rangers is challenging, though, because there's only one team to beat, and there's only winning and losing. Rangers will not tolerate runner-up finishes. Martin's a former player appointment, which has its benefits. Van Bronckhorst did well at Rangers, and this is a similar appointment. He's a younger coach who's been climbing the ladder. Rangers is a big job and a two-horse race in Scotland. Celtic is the other Glasgow giant, and there can only be one winner.
Q: Celtic and Rangers joining the Premier League would've been great for Scottish football...
A: This might be an unpopular opinion, but if Rangers and Celtic had joined the Prem during the time of Michele Platini, it would have been ideal for the overall competitive nature of Scottish football. It would've been perfect because the rest of Scotland could then compete on a more even playing field. It's just a shame it didn't happen. If Rangers and Celtic had competitive Premier League budgets, they could compete with the big guns in the Premier League.
Q: Can Martin play an exciting brand of football at Rangers that wins titles?
A: Rangers fans will expect their team to play with an identity and a dynamic style, and when Martin was appointed, those were the expectations set. His playing style and brand of football were well-regarded by the fans, so he'll need to deliver. 80% of his fixtures will require attractive football, so the pressure will be on. Against tough opponents like Celtic, he won't be allowed to play defensively while trying to play good football. He can play an attractive, engaging style, but he'll need to temper it at times. If he wants to win titles, that's a necessity.
Q: What advice would you give Conor Coady if he moves to Rangers late in his career?
A: Moving to Rangers would be a good move for Coady if he's interested, as it's a big club with a great challenge. But it depends on what he wants in his career at this stage. I achieved my dream of playing for Rangers and winning titles, playing Champions League football. For Coady, it's a new opportunity, an attractive move. If the finances are right, and he wants the challenge, it's a move that could benefit everyone.
Q: Who would you like to see Martin sign for Rangers this summer, and do you think he has the caliber to knock Celtic off their perch this coming season?
A: Recruitment is crucial for Rangers to challenge Celtic, and the financial aspect is important too, considering they don't have the Champions League revenue like Celtic. Celtic under Brendan Rodgers have done well again, but their biggest challenge and problem will come from Rangers. It'll be interesting to see what Martin does in his first season. He'll go in and do what he needs to do, but recruitment is important to compete with Celtic for the title.
Q: Should Rangers sell Dessers to fund a summer rebuild?
A: Dessers' critics say he's inconsistent and misses too many chances. His quality is undeniable, as he scored some spectacular goals. Russell Martin will decide his future, and if he's a sellable asset, then it may be time for him to move on. If he leaves, however, that money needs to be spent on reinforcements. Replacing Dessers' 18 SPFL goals won't be easy.
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