Bury manager David Flitcroft has praised the work of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and says he expects larger clubs to come calling for the Burton Albion coach ahead of their clash on Saturday.
The Brewers have carried their form from last season, where they were crowned League Two champions, into their first term in the third tier.
Flitcroft, who was on coaching courses with the ex-Chelsea striker, is not surprised by the Brewers’ early success or that clubs further up the Football League, such as Queens Park Rangers or Fulham, are watching closely.
“He’s probably the brightest thing out there at the minute,” he said.
“He’s been linked quite heavily [with other clubs], I’m surprised that they [Burton] have not had that bid in for Jimmy.
“A lot of the time, when someone who’s had such an illustrious career and has been at the top, they go into management and want to start too high up.
“But Jimmy’s gone into League Two, respected it and done the work – he’s someone who plans for games, has a structure and knows what he’s doing on the pitch.
“They were deserved winners of the league last year – they just kept winning and winning and winning – Jimmy’s put a plan in place to build a winning culture.”
With a game in hand, Burton sit just two points behind table-topping Gillingham, who defeated the Shakers 3-1 in their last game.
Jack Ruddy was called back from the Scotland under-19s squad and into the Bury first team for that match after Paddy Kenny, who has since cancelled his contract, was ruled out until the New Year with a calf injury.
Flitcroft bemoaned a lack of defensive protection, especially at set pieces, for his young goalkeeper but has said he expects Ruddy to have a bright career.
“Jack’s got a fantastic career in front of him,” he said.
“He wasn’t at fault for any of the goals, and I enjoyed watching him grow into the game.
“Everyone deserves an opportunity somewhere and Jack certainly took his and I’m delighted for him.
“It’s a great experience for the kid, you always remember your debut, you always remember your league debut and he’s done it down at Gillingham, yeah we got beat, but there’s a bigger picture.”
Image courtesy of BBC via YouTube, with thanks.
