Dagenham & Redbridge boss John Still bemoans lack of opportunities for young, English managers

Dagenham & Redbridge manager John Still (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468

Daggers boss comes up against second youngest manager in National League this weekend, but does not feel enough get a chance

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John Still comes up against one of the youngest managers in the National League this weekend when Solihull Moors make the trip to Victoria Road, but the Dagenham & Redbridge boss does not feel enough young, English managers are being given enough of a chance these days.

At just 31, Moors manager Liam McDonald is the second youngest in division behind Boreham Wood’s Luke Garrard.

Still himself started his management career early at the age of just 26 with Leytonstone, but he does not feel young, English managers are given as much of a chance as they once were.

“I get dismayed with football over the years I’ve been it and there are some wonderfully talented young, English managers around that, for whatever reason, have had to leave their club and won’t get another chance,” said the 65-year-old.

“I find it difficult to understand all of the reasons behind it and we’ve just seen it with Gary Rowett.

“I don’t know what the answer is, but the way I see it at the moment is within five years, I’m not sure how many English managers will be managing in the Premier League.

“Young managers trying to get an opportunity should be embraced and I’m not sure they all get the right opportunity and that’s been highlighted the last couple of days with Gary Rowett at Birmingham City.”

Still is set to welcome back Luke Guttridge to his starting XI this week after the playmaker missed the FA Trophy defeat to Worthing last weekend.

And the Daggers boss insists there was nothing more to it than giving the 34-year-old a much-needed break.

“Luke missed out last week, I wouldn’t say he was injured, but we got him back from his hamstring tear quite quickly and he’d played a few games,” added Still, who also managed Guttridge at Luton Town.

“The medical staff felt he needed a rest, but he’s trained this week. We’re one player better off this week, but probably close to the same group of players we had to choose from at Dover Athletic.”