Former Manchester United first-team coach Mike Phelan has joined Championship outfit Norwich City in the same role.
The 52-year-old was Sir Alex Ferguson’s right hand man for five years until the Scot’s retirement in 2013, and was a fan favourite at Old Trafford.
Phelan has been out of football since leaving United, having won three Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time under Ferguson, and has now returned to the club where he spent four years as a player.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to return to Carrow Road,” Phelan told the club’s official site.
“I have many fond memories and am looking forward to helping Neil and the team to progress and ultimately getting back into the Premier League where they deserve to be.”
Ex-midfielder Phelan made 194 appearances as a player with the Canaries, and he was also an assistant to Gary Megson at Carrow Road during the 1995-96 season.
Often credited as having a major impact on the success that the Reds maintained during the last five years of Ferguson’s tenure, many pundits and fans alike were shocked when David Moyes chose to replace him with Steve Round after taking over the reins at the then league champions.
Earlier this week, Phelan spoke briefly at the Northwest Football Awards, providing his views on the vast amount of money Louis van Gaal has spent in bolstering the United squad since his arrival this summer.
Mike Phelan on #mufc at tonight’s #NWFA2014: “They must have deep pockets! I wish we’d had that cash to spend!”
— ian herbert (@ianherbs) November 18, 2014
Norwich are looking to secure an immediate return to the Premier League after suffering relegation last season, and manager Neil Adams hopes Phelan’s experience will help give the squad the winning mentality.
“I’m delighted to bring in someone with Mike’s experience to work with myself, Gary Holt, and the rest of the coaching staff.
“He’s someone who has a strong connection with Norwich City and I know him well, having worked with him before when I was a player and he was coaching here.”
Main image courtesy of Goal via YouTube, with thanks.
