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Chris Hughton
Chris Hughton

Hughton to make changes to technical team

Newly-appointed Black Stars head coach, Chris Hughton is expected in town this week to commence his new job with a double header Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola beginning March 23 in Kumasi.

Hughton, who was appointed last month to replace Otto Addo, is expected to start his reign with some changes in the technical team with the respected coach making proposals to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), recommending some key additions to his backroom staff.

The Graphic Sports understands Hughton is looking to bring on board a new goalkeepers’ trainer and video analysts to boost his team preparation for matches.

Sources close to the FA have told the Graphic Sports that a meeting between the 64-year-old coach and the GFA hierarchy would finalise the proposals which could leave a lot of uncertainties over the future of Richard Kingson as the team’s goalkeepers’ trainer.

A new video analyst could take over from Ghanaian Awal Kamin who was among the team’s video department of analysts recommended by Coach Addo for the World Cup in Qatar.

An insider at the FA with experience working with previous Black Stars coaches explained to the Graphic Sports that it has become a common feature in recent times for expatriate coaches to move with their trusted back roof staff comprising an assistant coach, video analysts, fitness coach and a goalkeepers’ coach.

“Maybe, having been with the team for almost a year as technical advisor, I suspect Chris Hughton may have analysed the technical team and, therefore, knows its inadequacies which may have informed his recommendations to strengthen the technical department as he takes overt,” said the FA insider. 

Apart from the two key technical changes, the sources added that Ameenu Shadow, the General Manager of Dreams FC, is expected to take over as the Team Manager of the Black Stars ahead of Ghana’s game at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Mr Shardow, an ally and confidante of GFA President, Kurt Okraku, replaces Henry Martey who was with the team in Qatar four months ago.
Last year, he obtained a Master’s degree in football administration from the Stirling University in the UK.

“From what I have heard, the coach is looking at bringing in his own goalkeeper’s trainer and he has made recommendations to that effect.

“The GFA is also looking at appointing Ameenu Shardow as the new Team Manager of the Black Stars which could take effect from the Angola game in Kumasi,” the source confirmed.

Meanwhile, GFA officials have remained tight-lipped on the matter and expect to comment on it during Coach Hughton’s unveiling in Kumasi in the coming weeks.

In an interview with the Graphic Sports, the Communications Director of the GFA, Henry Asante Twum admitted that the newly-appointed trainer had made some recommendations but refused to make further comments on the reported changes in the technical team. 

He said the coach would have the opportunity to talk about everything at his unveiling before the Stars take on Angola on March 23 at the Baba Yara Stadium.

“I’m aware he has made some recommendations in his technical department but I can’t say anything until he is unveiled.
“I believe every concern would be addressed at his unveiling so I think we must wait for that day to know everything about the team,” said Asante Twum.

 

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