Last updated at 12:35, Wednesday, 20 June 2012

Captain Paul Thirlwell believes Greg Abbott is as good a manager as any of the four Premier League bosses he has worked under.

Greg Abbott and assistant Graham Kavanagh

The 33-year-old midfielder is convinced Abbott, who was strongly linked with the vacant job at Hull City, will manage in the top flight one day.

Thirlwell has vast experience of working under big-name managers, having played for Peter Reid and Mick McCarthy at Sunderland and Billy Davies and Phil Brown during his time at Derby County.

He is also a close ally of Abbott as his dressing-room leader, and has experienced first hand how the Blues boss has evolved into a highly-rated manager.

Thirlwell said: “Greg is right up there with other managers I’ve worked with.

“The only difference is that they had the ability to go into the transfer market to bring in players rather than having to watch reserve games and get youngsters on loan.

“The squad that Greg has assembled is a real credit to him and there is no one better to do it.

“He knows the game and he also knows the football scene after coaching at the Leeds academy.

“I think the gaffer has all the attributes to progress his career and get up there.”

Abbott missed out on the Hull job to Steve Bruce despite being short-priced second favourite to land the job at the club where he had a spell as captain during his playing career.

Thirlwell believes Carlisle’s promotion prospects are now brighter because Abbott is staying at Brunton Park, although he is convinced it will only be a matter of time before another club comes calling.

“All credit to the gaffer and his staff as the success he has had with the squad is making other clubs sit up and take notice,” added the United captain.

“Because of how well he has done, he is going to be linked with other jobs.

“He is Carlisle manager and we want that to continue for a long time because the club is going the right way under him.

“Having him at the club is key to us kicking on next season, rather than having to start from scratch with a new manager coming in and bringing in new players.

“He makes training enjoyable, we’re able to have a laugh but we know when it is time to put in the hard work. he has us working in the right manner and he knows how he wants to play tactically.

“When you combine all that, it makes for a good, lively atmosphere. That’s what Greg has created and the lads relish that.”

First published at 11:28, Wednesday, 20 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk