JOHN Hughes has backed Jackie McNamara and Neil McCann's bid to succeed him at Falkirk.
Hughes' six-year spell in charge of the Bairns ended on Monday when he signed a three-year deal with Hibernian.
McNamara and McCann have reportedly submitted a joint application to replace Hughes at Falkirk and their former manager believes the r
ookies would do a fine job.
"I think there are good candidates but, in terms of working away in and about the dressing room, and (if] they were going to promote from within, I saw a joint application from Jackie McNamara and Neil McCann," said Hughes, who signed the pair last summer. "I don't think that would be a bad one. They would get right good continuity within the team.
"But, no matter who it is, I just wish them all the best in getting the right appointment."
Kevin McAllister, though, has warned Falkirk officials it would be too big a gamble to risk a McCann-McNamara double act.
The former Scotland internationals have been working towards their coaching badges but McAllister, a former winger who spent ten years at the club and became a fans' favourite, said: "The board have to identify the one they want and go for it. But the Jackie and Neil one, talking about being joint managers, I don't agree with that.
"I think if they are going to appoint somebody, one has got to be the manager, the other his assistant. Joint managers can't really work."
Hughes and Owen Coyle worked in tandem to help the Bairns land the First Division title in 2003, however 46-year-old McAllister added: "I know it's said Yogi and Coylo did it before but that was a different situation altogether because Ian McCall had left to go to Dundee United and they had been going really well. It was just a case of them stepping in and keeping things going.
"This is a different thing altogether. Falkirk have got a first-ever European game in mid-July and a big season ahead of them. I think the board have got to be careful who they appoint. But that is what their job is so they must do it. They've got to be quick about it anyway."
Hughes yesterday thanked Falkirk for giving him his big break and wished them luck when they enter next season's Europa League. "I had 12 great years as a player and manager there, wonderful years," added the new Hibs manager. "I'll always be grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity as a player and a manager."
"It's an adventure for them in Europe – the first time the club's been in Europe – and I wish them all the best.
"The one thing I will say is that, when I go back to Falkirk, I'll get treated with respect, because I've given that club a lot over the years.
"They're good people and I think they're understanding.
"But now I'm 100 per cent committed to Hibernian and really, really looking forward to the challenge."
The full article contains 516 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
