Naveenan Thanendra discusses the positives Edgar Davids can bring to Barnet.
Edgar Davids is undoubtedly one of the best players to ever play his position.
Playing for the likes of Ajax, AC Milan, Juventus, Barcelona, Inter and Holland just demonstrates how good a player he once was. However, at 39 years of age, his career has entered a new phase, that of player/head coach at Barnet Football Club.
What shouldn’t be underestimated is how much of a coup this is for the Bees.
Those that follow the league 2 side will know that their seasons of late have simply been an annual flirt with relegation, all while Martin Allen does a will he/won’t he dance with the managerial role.
This previous lack of stability is exactly why the Mark Robson/Edgar Davids duo could be the potential solution for the team who currently sit rock bottom of the football league.
Firstly, as a player, Edgar Davids brings both experience and leadership to a team begging for someone to take them by the scruff of the neck. Whilst he may not be able to play week in week out, once he is match fit, the cameos he does make should be sufficient to help mould this team into a tougher outfit to beat.
Then there is the managerial aspect. A lot of former players have struggled because they have been gifted managerial roles at the top level. This is where their lack of experience has been exposed.
What the likes of Paolo Di Canio and Roberto Di Matteo have proven to us is that learning your trade in the lower leagues has a benefit for both the team and the manager.
So by handing two untested managers the reigns, they hope to ensure stability at the top with an injection of fresh and innovative ideas, to help Barnet turn around their futures.
Ultimately, if it does work and a larger club comes in for one or both of the duo down the line, then the football club will be due what should by that time be a sizeable amount of compensation.
Alternatively, if it does not prove to be as fruitful as they had hope, the least they can expect from bringing in a big name like Edgar Davids in, is an increased number of bums in seats, which is essential to ensure the financial viability of a football club given the current economic climate.
The only aspect that will require careful handling is having two decision makers at the top. While it could work beautifully if harmony is found, there is a potential for disaster if there is a difference in opinion and things continue to not work out for the team.
However, given how humble Davids has proven to be throughout his career, there should not be much of an issue resolving a dispute should it reach that stage, even if it requires an amicable split.
For now though, I look forward to seeing how the Robson/Davids partnership works out and commend the Bees for what looks set to be a savvy piece of business.
image: © bradstevens
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