Josh Windass tips ex-Wolves, Leicester & Everton player to become a manager | OneFootball

Josh Windass has backed Wrexham teammate Conor Coady to become a manager when he retires from playing.

Josh Windass has backed Wrexham teammate Conor Coady to become a manager in the future when he retires as a player.

The 33-year-old has had a fantastic career so far, although his time with the Red Dragons has been difficult, as he has struggled to get near the first-team under Phil Parkinson.

Therefore, a loan move to Charlton was sorted in January, but Coady is back with the Welsh side, although he failed to make the matchday squad for the 1-1 draw at Cardiff City on Monday night.

Josh Windass expects Conor Coady to move into management

So, it’s unclear what the short-term future holds for Coady, as the former Wolves man is surely going to want to get back playing on a regular basis, especially as he had a positive impact with the Addicks last season as they secured survival in the Championship.

Yet, looking to the future, it’s fair to say that Windass expects his Wrexham teammate to stay in the game and have a role on the touchline.

That’s after he told Sky Bet that Coady was the most likely Wrexham player to become a manager when they stop playing.

Conor Coady’s leadership qualities could make him a good manager

Obviously, it’s always interesting to get an insight like this from players, as they spend time with these individuals on a day-to-day basis.

But, even looking from the outside, Coady is the sort of figure that you would expect to transition into a head coach - if it’s something that he wants to pursue.

That stems from his leadership qualities, as Coady is a very vocal figure on the pitch, and he has been that way since he started out at Liverpool coming through the academy.

However, it was at Wolves where Coady really developed into a proper leader, as he was integral to Nuno Espírito Santo’s side that won promotion to the Premier League, before recording back-to-back seventh-placed finishes.

The way Coady would organise his Wolves teammates was particularly noticeable during Covid, where his voice would always be heard during games, whether it was telling players where to go or offering encouragement.

Of course, you don’t have to be a vocal figure to become a manager, but Coady also had a great football brain, which was needed in his position as the central centre-back in a 3-4-3 formation.

Conor Coady will still feel he has a lot to offer as a player

It will be interesting to see whether Coady does go down the coaching route when he retires, and he will have learned a lot from the managers he has played under, which range from Brendan Rodgers to Nuno and Sean Dyche to Enzo Maresca.

But, right now, his only concern will be enjoying what’s likely to be the final few years of his playing career.

As mentioned, his time at Wrexham hasn’t gone to plan, but Coady clearly still has a lot to offer, even if it won’t be with Parkinson’s side.

His ability to play in midfield and defence, combined with his leadership and experience, means it would be no surprise if clubs are tracking the ex-Huddersfield man ahead of the deadline, and it shouldn’t be too difficult to do a deal, as Wrexham won’t stand in his way.