Harford Appoints Assistant

Former Manchester United coach Tony Coton has been appointed as assistant manager of Queens Park Rangers.

One of the best goalkeeping coaches in the country was forced to call time on the practical side of his profession owing to a knee injury – but Mick Harford has moved fast to appoint Coton in W12.

Former Birmingham City colleagues, the pair once again link up, and Coton has been delighted to take the vacant post at Loftus Road.

The new R’s assistant told QPR.co.uk that while the pair will discuss matters, they have a vast similarity on how they like to see the game played.

‘Mick and I are very good friends,’ said Coton.

‘We have kept in touch over the years – we normally speak two or three times a week – and we have the same philosophies on how the game should be played.

‘He called me and said he needed a hand, and wanted someone he can trust who he gets on well with.

‘This was a big decision for me because I live up in Bolton with my family. But we go back a long way and I am delighted to be here to help.’

He continued: ‘I’m sure Mick and I won’t see eye-to-eye on everything, but he has said on numerous occasions that he respects what I know about football and that I am one of the few people he listens to intently on how the game should be played.

‘Obviously we will have our falling-outs, but that won’t last for long!’

The former stopper made over 500 appearances for clubs including Birmingham City, Watford, Manchester City and Sunderland.




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