TS Galaxy DDC coach Bernard Parker has likened his former coach to the greatest Manchester United manager Sir. Alex Ferguson.
The former Bafana Bafana striker enjoyed a successful 20-year playing career which came to an end in June this year when he hung up his boots.
During his time at FC Twente, Parker worked under the guidance of English coach Steve McClaren, who currently manages the Jamaican national team.
In the 2009/10 season, they won the Eredivisie edging out two Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam and PSV Eindhoven.
Parker has praised McClaren’s man-management style, likening it to that of the legendary Manchester United manager Ferguson who amassed an incredible 38 trophies during his tenure at the club.
Interestingly, McClaren was Ferguson’s assistant coach at Man United in the 1998/99 campaign when they won a treble – Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League.
BERNARD PARKER ON SIMILARITIES BETWEEN STEVE MCCLAREN & SIR. ALEX FERGUSON
“Steve McClaren was one of the best coaches I worked under. He has produced so much great players in his career,” said Parker.
“And he has that Sir. Alex Ferguson man-management approach in terms of how he wants to deal with his players.
“When I left FC Twente and came back to South Africa and played at Kaizer Chiefs, the first thing I said to myself was that I want to educate myself was management.
“And I took on sports management just because I know what that would do for myself.”
Parker also praised McClaren’s ‘great personality,’ acknowledging its significant impact on his own development.
‘HE HAS GREAT PERSONALITY’
“We still do keep in contact. He’s in Jamaica now, he’s the coach of Jamaica. And I also learnt a lot from his personality,” he added.
“He has great personality, it rubs off on the players. That’s also a quality I learnt from him as well. I wish him all the best.”
Parker has had a great start to his coaching career at TS Galaxy reserve team, with a record of six wins, five draws, and only one loss in 12 matches.
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