15 October 2023 , 12:38
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Former Tottenham and France defender Pascal Chimbonda has landed his first job in management - in the ninth tier of English football.
Chimbonda, 44, joined Wigan following their promotion to the Premier League in 2005 and was named in the PFA Team of the Year after some impressive displays.
He attracted attention from a host of clubs and Tottenham agreed a deal to sign the full-back the following summer. Chimbonda also had spells with Sunderland, Blackburn and QPR in the top flight.
The defender, who was also named in France's 2006 World Cup squad, has played for a number of non-league clubs since retiring professionally and will now move into the dugout.
Chimbonda has been appointed as the new manager of Skelmersdale United, who play in the North West Counties Premier League, who pull in crowds of around 150 fans.
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He will have his work cut out too, with the non-league side currently rock bottom with one win and 15 defeats from their 16 league matches to date, including a 5-0 home thrashing on Saturday.
But Chimbonda is confident he can turn things around, insisting: "I know how precious this club is to the supporters. This is a very proud day for me and a wonderful opportunity.
“I’ve been inspired by Guardiola, Mourinho, Simeone and Zidane, and as such just like those great managers, my philosophy will be to play attractive football."
It remains to be seen how he adapt to life in the dugout and manages his players, having been hugely critical of Harry Redknapp during his time at Spurs.
He said: "When you are a footballer and you don't play, you are not very happy. I don't know why he didn't pick me and I don't want to know why. Six months of playing, with no reason, is very hard because I want to be on the pitch.
Chimbonda also runs a football academy in the north west and has helped a number of non-league players secure contracts for this season.
Skelmersdale chairman Frank Hughes said: "We have found the right man for the job in Pascal. His experience at the very top of elite football, shows that he has that winning mentality. This is a major coup for the club, and we are very excited about the future.”