JIMMY Bone has been appointed as Bobby Williamson’s new assistant at Chester City just two days after Malcolm Thomson left to rejoin Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
And Bobby Williamson is very pleased he has been able to attract the 58-year-old to the Deva Stadium, as he has a wealth of experience.
“Jimmy has been here, there and everywhere,” said Williamson.
“I worked with him on the Scottish FA coaching courses at Inverclyde Sports Centre in Largs and I know he’ll get a response from the players. He is looking forward to working with them.”
Bone boasts a very interesting CV. The well-travelled former striker has turned out for Partick Thistle, Norwich City, Sheffield United, Celtic, Arbroath, St Mirren, Toronto Blizzard, Hong Kong Rangers and Hearts.
As a coach he has worked at Aberdeen and in Zambia, where he won a league title as a manager.
“I wasn’t surprised when Bobby offered me the position,” said Bone.
“I’ve known him a long time. I worked with him with the SFA and we used to knock each other about on the pitch.”
Bone said he relished the challenge of trying to get Chester into League One and likened the club to Scottish Second Division side Ross County.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge,” he said. “We’ll do alright.
“We had a very good win against Barnet on Tuesday. I’ve seen the tape and it was a good game. The reserves won the following night so I’ve had a look at them too.
“Things are rolling along and it augurs well. It’s just as I imagined it. Bobby is a well organised, good coach and a good manager and Chester is just what I expected.
“The club reminds me of quite a few clubs in Scotland but particularly Ross County in the way it is run.
“The clubs go along very similar lines. Although Ross is more isolated because of the geography of Scotland, here there are so many clubs in and around but Chester is stuck in the middle. It is a good club, a good set up and a good challenge.”
Bone aims to support Williamson as they push for promotion from League Two.
“You don’t get involved in football if you don’t want to win things and be the best you can,” he said. “The play-offs would be good, winning promotion would be good, so we have to look to achieve something.”
Williamson thanked Malcolm Thomson for his work up to now at the Deva Stadium, but added that he believes this change may drive the club on.
“Jimmy’s vastly experienced,” said Bobby. “Malcolm leaving may be a blessing in disguise. He will be missed and we thank him for all he’s done and wish him all the best but a change of face may lift us again. It is a good time to make a change.”
