BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
LIAM FOX vividly remembers being on the receiving end of Gary Bollan’s hairdryer treatment as a player.
However, the Cowdenbeath boss insists there will be no fear factor when he goes head-to-head with his former gaffer in the dugout.
Fox, 32, enjoyed a successful stint at Livingston under Bollan between 2009 and 2012, winning the Third Division and Second Division titles in consecutive seasons – and he relished the no-nonsense style of his old manager.
And while Fox cites Bollan among his influences as he takes his first steps in management, he is determined to get the better of his table-topping Forfar side this afternoon.
“I worked with Gary at Livingston and have a lot of time for him, he is a top manager and a good guy,” he said. “It’s no surprise to see him up at the top of the league.
“The thing I really liked about Gary is he was always honest, if he was happy with you then he would tell you – if he was unhappy with you, then he would definitely tell you.
“We all got some harsh words at times, but it was a good spell – we won back-to-back titles and he got us playing some nice stuff, so I’ve got a lot of time for him.
“As a young coach you take little bits from everyone you have worked with and Gary would certainly be one of those.
“Wherever he has been, he has built successful teams and he has done that at Forfar, but there’s no fear for us at all, our players should relish it.”
Fox has endured a testing start to his managerial career after joining the Blue Brazil from Hearts in the summer, as he attempts to build a new-look squad following their relegation to League 2 last term.
They currently occupy eighth spot, just two points off the bottom, however the young coach insists he only needs to look as far as Edinburgh City – who claimed just three points from their opening 10 matches – for an example of how quickly fortunes can turn.
City are now seventh after a run of six league games without defeat.
“Whether you are top of the league or bottom, anyone can beat anyone – this is a crazy league,” Fox added. “Teams are all looking for that little bit of consistency.
“You look at a side like Edinburgh City, they have found a system and a way of playing that suits them. It can turn around very quickly – a couple of wins and you are looking upwards.”
