DAMIAN Matthew says he’s relishing the challenge of helping deliver success at Rangers as he detailed his responsibilities as assistant coach within Michael Beale’s coaching team.
Speaking exclusively to RangersTV in his first interview since arriving in Glasgow, Matthew outlined his relationship with the Gers boss that spans over two decades in football: “Years ago when I was a coach at Chelsea, and Michael was just starting his career, we had centres in London that was recruiting the best players in the city and he was involved in that process.
“I then left for Charlton Athletic to be a youth team coach and he took that role on full-time. We’ve been friends for well over 20 years and, when we say ‘friends’, it’s also big debates as you would have on a coaching team. That’s what sets him apart and why, as coaches, you enjoy working with people who challenge you. We’re here for a fantastic challenge.
“Working together at QPR was the first time we had physically worked together at first-team level. It has been an excellent five months. There’s been some really good highs, but there’s also been a couple of lows as well, and knowing how to deal with it in that spell is something that Michael has experienced before. Obviously, it will be different this time around as manager and he knows that, and we will be here to support him in the chance to be successful.”
The 52-year-old boasts an extensive coaching CV that includes a spell in India, and Matthew believes that the experiences he has gathered throughout his career will stand him in good stead at Ibrox.
He added: “I went into coaching at Chelsea and I was lucky to have six years there. I had nine years at Charlton Athletic, working from the U18s through to assistant manager. I went with Chris Powell to Southend United and I had a spell recently with Michael. The last six years have been interesting because I’ve had a load of different experiences and went to India for eight months. I think these great experiences help you as a coach. To come to a club of this magnitude at Rangers, and know what it takes with the pressure, I’m really looking forward to that challenge.
“It’s all about people, we never lose that track. As much as we want to get the best football players on the pitch, the ultimate challenge is to make people better. That’s the challenge that you have as a coach every day and I’m hoping you see the results on the pitch at Ibrox.”
The responsibility that accompanies a role on the first-team coaching staff at the Light Blues is one which excites Matthew, who also detailed his role in coaching midfielders under Beale.
He continued: “Buzzing would be the word that I’d use. I’ve had a lot of great experiences in football, but to come to a club of this stature, with all the quality and the history that is here, is a real blessing. I had a short spell with Michael in London and we had a great time there. I’ve known him for a long time and he’s spoken to me a lot about his experience here and how great that was. I’ve been fortunate enough to play with players who have played here many years, and hearing stories from them – John Spencer and Gordon Durie. I’m really excited and looking forward to the future.
“In terms of the training, Michael is a very hands-on coach, which is excellent for the players to see the passion and drive on a daily basis. We will help and assist, but the best part for me will be looking after the midfielders given my youth background to now. That was the position that I played so I have that understanding of what it takes. It’s great for me to be working with the likes of Steven Davis and Scott Arfield who have international experience. I think one of the strengths as a coach is to try and bring out their experience to help these younger players develop as well.”
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