Former West Bromwich Albion assistant manager James Shan has been named as the new number two to Gavin Gunning at Swindon Town, it has been confirmed.
Shan has a history of working under Darren Moore, having coached under the former Baggies boss at The Hawthorns before following him to Sheffield Wednesday and most recently Huddersfield Town. However, when Moore moved to Port Vale, Shan didn’t go with him.
Now, the 45-year-old has joined Gunning’s coaching staff at the County Ground until the end of the season as the Robins seal their place in England’s fourth tier for another season, having had a dreadful campaign so far.
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Speaking in a club statement on Thursday afternoon after the news of his arrival was announced to the public, Shan admitted that he’s delighted to be on board and that the Swindon players “seem a real good bunch.”
“I joined just over a week ago now, so I’m getting used to my new surroundings but I am delighted to be on board,” he said.
“The lads seem a real good bunch, so I’m looking forward to getting started here”.
🗣️ "It's been positive and the lads seem like a real good bunch of lads who want to work hard and as do the staff."
🎥 Jimmy Shan speaks to #STFC's media team for the first time, following his appointment as assistant first-team coach:
— Swindon Town Football Club (@Official_STFC) March 28, 2024
Swindon’s Head of Football Jamie Russell also shed light on the appointment, revealing that Shan’s experience in the EFL will be of paramount importance for the squad for the remainder of the campaign.
“The reason why we’ve brought him in is because he’s worked within the EFL and he’ll offer support and guidance for Gavin during these final few fixtures of the 2023/24 season.
“Alongside that, he brings a wealth of experience from academy and higher-level first-team environments and he knows the level, understands the level and knows what is required.”
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Writer’s View
This was a really astute move by Swindon Town. Shan has a lot of experience working with big clubs like West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday and has even been a manager himself at the likes of Solihull Moors and Kidderminster Harriers in non-league.
It is highly unlikely that the Robins will be relegated this term as Gunning’s men are 11 points clear of the drop zone. However, the Robins are still not mathematically safe but a win today against Notts County would go a long way in achieving this.
Deputy Head of Writing
