Birmingham City's Lee Carsley tipped to be a top boss

May 3 2010 by Andy Walker, Sunday Mercury

Lee Carsley

DEPARTING Blues star Lee Carsley has been tipped to one day make a success of football management, by the man who witnesses his coaching capabilities on a weekly basis.

The Brummie midfielder last week announced his intention to leave St Andrew’s at the end of the season.

Although the 36-year-old is still seeking one more challenge as a player, Carsley is already planning for when he eventually hangs up his boots.

As well as gaining his UEFA B licence, Carsley has been working on his coaching skills with football development students at Solihull College for the last six months.

The college course is led by Carsley’s friend and ex-Derby County team-mate Mickey Moore.

While working on his recent coaching qualification, Carsley was keen on getting some hours under his belt and asked his pal if he could help out.

The ex-Republic of Ireland international enjoyed it so much that he has continued on a weekly basis and even plans to carry on next season.

“It’s something Lee wants to do. He’s going for his A licence this year so hopefully his experience with the college will help him,” said Moore, whose course produced Walsall duo Manny Smith and Will Grigg as well as Kidderminster’s Jack Byrne.

“For the students, I don’t think there’s any college in the country, let alone the Midlands, that has that sort of help. Lee is club captain at Blues, he’s played in the World Cup and the Champions League, while his whole career has near enough been in the Premier League.