'Wasn't the original plan' - Ex-Blackpool midfielder shares start of coaching journey with Oldham Athletic
Former Blackpool midfielder Danny Philliskirk discusses his coaching ambitions.
Ex-Blackpool midfielder Danny Philliskirk states it was a tough decision to take the plunge into full time coaching - but admits it was something he had to do.
The 34-year-old hung up his playing boots last August following a 15-year senior career, with his CV including a two-and-a-half year stint with the Seasiders between 2016 and 2018.
During that time, he made 72 appearances in Tangerine, scoring 11 goals and providing three assists, during what was a difficult period for the club with the then-Oyston ownership.
After coming through the ranks of Oldham Athletic, Philliskirk was signed by Chelsea as a youngster, but later returned to Boundary Park to make 124 senior appearances for the Greater Manchester outfit.
Throughout the later stages of his playing career, the retired midfielder spent time in non-league with both AFC Fylde and Southport, while also working as the Latics’ youth team manager during his spell with the latter.
Despite taking part in pre-season with the Sandgrounders ahead of their National League North campaign, Philliskirk made the decision to accept a full time opportunity with Oldham in summer, which brought the curtain down on his playing career.
“It wasn’t the original plan but it all happened very quickly,” he said.
“I was playing part time with Southport and coaching here for over a year. The first-team got promoted so I had a decision to make at the start of the season on whether I’d step into it full time - and it was probably the right time, and I think I was ready for it.
“It got to the stage where I needed to make the next progression in my career. I enjoyed still playing, but you’ve got to make tough decisions sometimes.
“I’m keen to help develop youngsters - I want to get one in our first-team or one making a career for themselves. I know it’s tough, so I just try to be as open as possible, giving them some advice from where I’ve come from and reassurance, and if that one percent makes a difference to them then that’s all we want.
“I got there through hard work, determination and high standards. I was technically decent, but there was everything else. Sometimes the younger generation now don’t have that, so it’s about getting those high standards first-and-foremost, and building on that.
“Towards the back end of my career, I ended up being captain so I was always looking at the tactical side of things and listening to information because coaching was something I always wanted to go into.”
Following in his father’s footsteps
Philliskirk has followed in the footsteps of his father, Tony, who served a similar role at Boundary Park.
“I was too young to remember my dad playing, but through me growing up he was always coaching,” the ex-Blackpool man added.
“I always thought, first-and-foremost I want to be a footballer, and when I finish I want to coach. If I’m honest, I don’t know what else I’d do. I’ve been involved in it that long, I’m quite obsessed with it.
“Football has changed massively, it went from 4-4-2 and crosses in the box to Barcelona style. Now, I think we’re starting to see the older generation play back again. At every level now, set pieces are so important, so it’s coming around full circle a little bit.
“It’s a lot more athletic now in terms of player profile. They’re athletes as well as good footballers.”
Looking to the future
Philliskirk admits he isn’t looking too far ahead in terms of where his coaching career could end up, with his current focus being on delivering the best opportunities for the young players at Oldham.
“I’m at the start of my journey now, so who knows where I’ll be in 20 years,” he added.
“I’m always learning and striving to be better. I’m still in contact with certain people I’ve worked with in the past. The way I coach, my ideas, and the way I handle players come from the coaches who have been brilliant for me.
“I’m really happy with what I’m doing now. You can’t predict where you’ll be in 10 years time because you never know as opportunities come up here and there.
“I really like the development side of things because I’ve been through it myself and I know how tough it was to get in the first-team now.
“I’m keen to stay where I am around good people at the very good football club. We’ve got great people around from top to bottom.
“My job is to develop the young lads to see if we can get some in the first-team, and I’m happy to do that for however long it’s going to take me.”
Your next story from the Gazette: Former Blackpool favourite opens up on special connection, being brave, and 'painful' departure.