Holland out, but is Kidd in at Stoke?

It’s reported that Brian Kidd could be Stoke’s new assistant manager and that Academy director, Steve Holland is off to Chelsea.

Tony Pulis has been after a new number two since the start of the summer when Dave Kemp took up a new scouting role for the Potters over in America and it now looks as though Brian Kidd is in line for the job. Kidd has mountains of experience in the top flight of English football after playing for both the Manchester clubs (but predominately United), Arsenal, Everton and Bolton. Since retiring in 1984, he did try management without great success, so has concentrated on assistant manager roles with Man United, England (under Sven), Leeds, Sheffield United and ending up at Portsmouth last season. It now seems that he’s found the travelling between his home in Lancashire and the south coast too much and has been looking for the job closer to home.

He’d certainly be a coup for Stoke and combined with the likelihood that Gerry Francis may also be helping out again in a part-time capacity this season adds loads of vital experience on the training ground.

On the flip side, the Potters are losing the expertise of their Academy Director and former Crewe boss, Steve Holland. Holland has only been with the club a few months, but has accepted the role of reserve boss at Chelsea.