NIGEL GIBBS' remarkable one club relationship scaled another level last week when he was appointed Watford's new reserve-team manager.

The popular defender, who hung up his competitive boots after an illustrious playing career at Vicarage Road at the end of last season, stepped into the shoes vacated by the new manager, who wasted no time in appointing his successor.

"Ray came in on Thursday morning and said he'd got the job, and asked me if I'd like to be reserve-team manager, and I said I'd be delighted to," explained Gibbs, who will combine his coaching duties with the role of chief scout.

Although the precise details of how he will divide his time between the jobs has yet to be worked out, the 36-year-old, who had been assisting Ray Lewington with coaching until the former caretaker's role was made permanent, will spend most of his time on the training pitch, but added: "We are going to share the workload on scouting, and, between us, we are going to cover games."

Asked what personal qualities he brings to his new job, Gibbs replied: "Twenty years experience in the game and I've just finished playing, so I know what the players' view on training is.

"Also, I am quite big on enthusiasm and attitude, and I want to help develop their football knowledge and performances and get them knocking on the door of the first-team squad so they're ready when needed.

"I passed my (UEFA) A licence the summer before last, knowing at some point I wanted to go into coaching, and I have been working part-time in the Academy to get some experience.

"I will be learning the ropes as I go along, but I am sure Ray will give me as much help as I need. It's going to be tough, but I am looking forward to it."

The former right back believes he shares "quite similar" views with Lewington on how the game should be played, but he added: "What he doesn't want is people saying yes all the time, but if he wants the reserves to play a certain way that's fine."

During his season as reserves' boss, Lewington mainly had to work with a young side. This situation is likely to be continue, but, although a policy has not been determined yet, Gibbs is hopeful he may have some unused first-team substitutes at his disposal as well.

Chief executive Tim Shaw knows Gibbs' appointment will be popular with the fans, but he added: "I also believe he will do very well at it. He's coached at the younger levels, obviously on a part-time basis over the last few years. It's something he's very interested in, he's got his coaching badge, so he's certainly qualified to do it. And again, he's another one that will bring a passion and desire for this club to move forward, and I think it can only be a positive thing for us."

Gibbs was alongside Lewington on the touchline for Saturday's friendly at St Albans City, and he was broadly pleased with what he witnessed from the first pre-season workout.

"The conditions were very hot and St Albans worked very hard, but our fitness was very good, and there were a lot of positives," he reflected. "It was good that some of the injured players played their part, and it was a good run-out for (Sean) Dyche."

Although Watford are short of defensive cover, Gibbs does not regret deciding to retire, but he has retained his registration in case of emergencies, and could make the odd appearance on the substitutes' bench for the reserves this season.

However, Gibbs is certain to don his boots for at least one more time on Saturday, August 3, when Watford take on Tottenham Hotspur in the reserve manager's second testimonial during his Vicarage Road career.

He is pleased with how preparations are going for the big day, which will also include a curtain-raising match between an Ex-Watford stars XI and Watford Internet FC.

Among those signed up for the 1.35pm kick-off are Gary Porter, Trevor Putney, Jimmy Gilligan and Malcolm Allen, and Gibbs confirmed that John Barnes and Luther Blissett have also agreed to take part in the 40-minute long match.

Tickets for the testimonial cost £15 for adults, and £5 concessions.

Meanwhile, the new reserve-team manager was "quite pleased" with the performance of his side, despite seeing them go down to a 2-0 defeat against Southampton at London Colney on Wednesday lunchtime.

The reserves, featuring Marcus Gayle as an emergency centre-half, got off to the worst possible start when the Saints, who had returned to training ten days before their opponents, scored in the first minute.

Southampton then scored their second at the end of the first of three 30-minute periods.

After that, the Hornets raised their game, and saw one effort hit the post, while a couple of others were saved by the opposition keeper.

"Overall, I was quite pleased for the first game back, and it was good to work on their fitness," said Gibbs. "They had a young side, and it was a very competitive game, but I was pleased with some of our performances. Sam Swonnell did very well for 70 minutes, while Simon Patterson was okay up front."

Watford Reserves: Baardsen; Smith, Langston, Gayle, Buxton; Wright, Swonnell, Godfrey, McNamee; Forde, Patterson. Substitutes: Cohen, Lee, Blizzard, Matthews, Cook.

July 19, 2002 11:30