Saturday, 30th August 2008

News Archive

29th October 2001

Bruce Rioch

Former Arsenal & Bolton manager Bruce Rioch to take training at Gresley.

Rioch offered to help out after ringing John McGinlay to express his sympathy following the death of McGinlay's mother. McGinlay has had to return to Scotland to visit his father who is in hospital after being taken ill only hours after the funeral of John's mother.

McGinlay said: "Bruce was one of the first people on the phone offering his services if I needed them so with me having to return to Scotland I took him up on his offer.I hold him in the highest regard possible. The players will give a him a great deal of respect and they will learn a lot from him. I think it's fantastic.

"He was the best manager I played under. He signed me for Millwall and I worked under him during some great years at Bolton Wanderers. I now consider him a good friend but I'm still uncomfortable calling him 'Bruce', I always want to say 'boss'.

"Even when you finish playing you remain friends and we've kept in touch.

"I have learned a lot from him in the past and I'm trying to do the same things at Gresley that he did as a manager.

"It's a great boost for the club and the players that someone of his stature is taking time out to help. He now lives in Great Yarmouth so he is travelling a good distance and I'm very grateful to him.

"He will come in Wednesday and then we will see what the situation is regarding myself but he has said he is there if I need him."

Rioch, a favourite at Aston Villa and Derby County where he was a member of the Rams side that won the First Division championship in 1974-75, went on to manage Middlesborough, Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers. His name has also come up as a possible favourite to become the next manager of the Scottish national side.

Gresley chairman Mark Evans believes the arrival of Rioch for one night only can be of benefit for the players and the club.

He said: "John has always spoken very highly of Bruce. He holds him in very highest esteem and I know he feels privileged that Bruce has asked to help out."

The training session will be open to the public, and starts at 7.15pm at the Moat Ground.

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