Opinion
Success at King’s Lynn - now this ex-Norwich City mastermind is being linked with Lincoln
Ian Culverhouse, left, ahead of last season's successful super play-off final at Warrington Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Archant
It was almost inevitable that Ian Culverhouse would be linked with a job higher up the footballing food chain - CHRIS LAKEY looks at the unthinkable happening.
Lynn boss Ian Culverhouse during a training session Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Archant
"It shows that we are doing well if we're being noticed at that level."
The words of a King's Lynn Town official, questioned about the presence of manager Ian Culverhouse in the 'betting market' for the vacancy at Lincoln City.
The departure of Danny Cowley to Huddersfield prompted the expected response - and Culverhouse's name appearing near the top of the market should be no surprise either, even though it will put the fear of god into a lot of Linnets fans who are enjoying an unexpected ride astride the National League North table.
Culverhouse has masterminded the rise, in his second spell at the club, having taken them to second place in the Southern Premier Central league on both occasions. He is a tinkerman, notebook in hand during games, looking for keyholes to explore and unlock. It has worked a treat - Lynn lost their first game, at Guiseley, and learned enough lessons in 90 minutes to have got them through the next nine games undefeated.
King's Lynn manager Ian Culverhouse at The Walks Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2019
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This weekend with Lynn on an upward trajectory, it's Gloucester at The Walks: the place will be heaving, the football is likely to be enthralling and entertaining, as it has always been this season. And Culverhouse will be there, notebook in hand, plotting another upset.
Lynn say they have had no contact from Lincoln, but don't be surprised if Culverhouse's name is on their list, if not underlined like that of some of the other 'candidates' - Newport County manager Michael Flynn, Wycombe Wanderers' manager Gareth Ainsworth, former Bolton boss Phil Parkinson and former Hull manager Nigel Adkins.
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Culverhouse has plenty of experience - he was a hugely popular number two alongside Paul Lambert as they took Norwich City from League One to the Premier League in successive seasons, and then went to Aston Villa, where it went a bit pear-shaped. How Lynn owner Stephen Cleeve managed to persuade Culverhouse to become manager, back in 2017, is beyond me. When the pair parted ways in May, 2018, after a clash of personalities, Cleeve turned to Simon Clark. It was a disaster and, a year ago this week, he was sacked.
Cleeve turned to Culverhouse again, they kissed and made up... and it has been onwards and upwards ever since.
Would he go if there was an approach? Only Culverhouse knows the answer to that one. But he is clearly a much happier man at Lynn second time around, especially as everything is coming up roses.
Losing Culverhouse once was unfortunate; losing him a second time would be unthinkable.
