Director of football operations and recruitment Alex Aldridge has been discussing the club’s January transfer plans.
The club made the somewhat unexpected announcement last month that they had mutually parted ways with now-former manager Gary Rowett, with both sides believing it was time to go in different paths.
Joe Edwards will take over at The Den as the Lions’ permanent boss, following four games under the leadership of an interim manager. Rowett’s replacement was ultimately revealed earlier this week.
In the past, Edwards has coached teams like Chelsea and Everton and served as the temporary manager of England Under-20s.
Regarding Edwards’ announcement as Millwall’s manager, one noteworthy observation was that, unlike Rowett, he will now be referred to as “Head Coach” instead of “Manager.”
Because of this, some fans conjectured that Edwards’s role behind the scenes could be limited, particularly in terms of recruiting, and that his primary function as head coach was to instruct the squad.
How much involvement will Joe Edwards have in Millwall’s recruitment?
Nevertheless, it doesn’t seem like that will happen, since Alex Aldridge, Millwall’s director of football operations and recruitment, has rejected the allegations.
In an interview with the media, Aldridge provided an update on Millwall’s January transfer plans, stating that head coach Edwards will have a significant role in the team’s hiring.
Aldridge told the South London Press, “The title difference invites the question ‘what does that mean?’ but the reality is that it isn’t going to change the way we like to operate – which is always collaborative.”
Considering his past, I believe Joe would identify as a head coach. That implies that even though the buildings surrounding him are owned by the club, he is still driving them alongside us.
“If you use recruitment as an example, Joe, the coaching staff, the recruitment department, and I will all be working closely together to identify the players who will improve our team.
“I don’t think it works; there are clubs that operate where the head coach signs the players and moves on. Similarly, I don’t think it works when the manager makes all the decisions, signs a player, and then the team just has to move forward, picking up the pieces if something goes wrong.
“Most people in the Championship, for the most part, work in a happy medium. We are not any different.
Key Millwall figure explains ‘head coach’ label
Further elaborating on the rationale behind Edwards’ appointment as head coach rather than manager, Aldridge proposed that Edwards may be able to focus more of his concentration on the team and on game performance as head coach because he will not be responsible for as many duties as a manager.
“It’s also just a subtle nod that there are club-held goals and strategies that we have to set and work towards with Joe,” Alrdidge continued.
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