HAYES & YEADING UNITED have appointed former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland defender Phill Babb as their new first-team boss.
The 42-year-old made over 400 appearances as player, representing Bradford City and Coventry City before joining Liverpool in 1994 for £3.6m, a fee that made him Britain’s most expensive defender at the time.
He spent six seasons with the Reds prior to a spell with Portuguese side Sporting CP (Sporting Lisbon) and two years back in England with Sunderland.
Babb is a UEFA B licensed coach but his role with United is his first foray into management. Despite that, United director of football Tony O’Driscoll feels he is the right man to take the club forward.
Speaking to the club’s website, O’Driscoll said: “What we have always aspired to for this football club is to recruit people who are in it for the right reasons and have the club right at their heart.
“Phil immediately impressed us all with what he knew about us, our players and the level we are playing at. He has an incredible knowledge of the game across all levels and shares our vision in building the club the correct way.”
Babb, who will retain the services of assistant manager Tristan Lewis and reserve team boss Delroy Preddie, can’t wait to get started.
He commented: “I’m really excited about this opportunity to put to use my years of experience, plus the knowledge of non-league and lower league football that I have gained in recent years.
“I followed closely the fortunes of the club last year, and recognise the bags of potential it has and like its forward-thinking approach.
“I’ve watched many games at this level and know what a tough division it is, but believe I have the skills to help in the building of a successful club and nurture some great young talent.”
