Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has expressed his excitement over the arrival of former Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone, who joins the club as first-team assistant coach.
Huddlestone, who has most recently worked at Manchester United in a coaching capacity, brings a wealth of experience from both his playing and coaching career. The 36-year-old will also continue his role with the England U21s alongside his duties at Birmingham.
Davies commented on Huddlestone’s appointment, saying: “Tom is an excellent coach and a great addition to our first team staff as we look to build on our start to the 2024/2025 season. He has vast playing experience, which has been added to by coaching roles he has held with club and international teams.”
He added: “This will provide a different dynamic to the group and I expect the squad to feed off his knowledge of the game. We are all looking forward to working with him and wish him every success at Birmingham City.”
Huddlestone steps in following the departure of Ashley Cole, who left the Blues to focus on his role with the England national team under interim manager Lee Carsley, as England prepares for a new era post-Gareth Southgate.
The appointment coincided with a star-studded night at St. Andrew’s, as NFL icon Tom Brady, a co-owner of the club, welcomed footballing legends David Beckham and Gary Neville for Birmingham’s fixture against Wrexham—another club with Hollywood connections.
Though Huddlestone never made a senior appearance for Manchester United, he was a key figure at Carrington, helping to develop young talent before retiring from playing in May.
Tom Huddlestone
Huddlestone began his career at Derby County, making his debut in 2003. His performances at Derby earned him a move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2005, where he developed a reputation as a deep-lying midfielder with excellent passing range and vision.
At Spurs, Huddlestone became a key player, helping the team secure a League Cup victory in 2008. Known for his long-range shooting and technical ability, he made over 150 appearances for the North London club during an eight-year spell. After his successful stint at Tottenham, he moved to Hull City in 2013, where he helped the team reach the FA Cup final in 2014. He later returned to Derby County in 2017, before finishing his playing career at Manchester United, where he served in a unique player-coach role for the Under-21 side.
On the international stage, Huddlestone earned four caps for England between 2009 and 2012, representing the national team during friendly matches and qualifying campaigns. After retiring as a player in May 2023, Huddlestone transitioned into coaching. He briefly remained at Manchester United in a coaching capacity, where he played a key role in developing young talent.
Writer’s View
Tom Huddlestone’s transition from player to coach brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Birmingham City. As a former Premier League stalwart, his understanding of the game, both tactically and technically, is undeniable. Huddlestone’s ability to control the midfield with precision passing and his deep knowledge of positioning are invaluable assets for any squad. His time at clubs like Tottenham and Hull City, as well as his role in the England setup, has given him a diverse perspective on the game, making him a prime candidate to help Birmingham City grow. His influence is particularly valuable at a time when the club is rebuilding under new leadership.
Moreover, his coaching stint at Manchester United and with the England U21s suggests that Huddlestone is more than just a former player stepping into management—he is actively developing his coaching credentials and working with some of the game’s best young talents. At Birmingham, his blend of experience and fresh coaching insight can offer a unique dynamic to a club looking to push forward. Huddlestone has the potential to be a guiding force for both the younger players and the more experienced squad members, bringing stability and fresh ideas to the dressing room.
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