The League Managers Association (LMA) has praised Scunthorpe United boss Russ Wilcox after the Iron boss equalled a 126 year old record.
The Iron’s 2-0 win at Cheltenham extended the Iron’s unbeaten run to 23, dating back to November.It was in 1889 that William Sudell of Preston North End set a record of 23 unbeaten games from the start of his managerial reign and Russ Wilcox has now matched this significant landmark.
LMA Chairman, Howard Wilkinson, said: “It is a fantastic achievement for an unassuming and modest man who has proved that dedication, hard work, persistence and a passion for the game can eventually achieve the extraordinary.
“My first memory of Russ goes back to the 80’s when I tried to sign him at Sheffield Wednesday.
“He was an outstanding centre half playing for Frickley Athletic at the time.
“The determination and resilience he has shown in rising through the ranks, sometimes painfully slowly, from part-time player, to league player, coach and now league manager is remarkable and worthy of tremendous credit and respect.
“This is an inspirational story for any would be coach or manager.”
LMA Chief Executive, Richard Bevan, added to the praise.
“On behalf of everyone at the LMA, I congratulate Russ on reaching such a significant milestone,” he said.
“Historically the statistics demonstrate the huge challenge first time managers face, first to survive in the role and then to go on and lay the foundations to build a career in football management.
“Russ is an extremely experienced coach and this achievement certainly proves how important the preparation process is before being presented with an opportunity.
“Russ has clearly more than survived the testing period of a first managerial appointment and I am sure he will continue to build on this success with Scunthorpe United.”