Tam Courts has opened up on his rapport with former Dundee United colleague Chris Docherty, insisting it was ‘his destiny’ to become a sporting director in his own right.
Docherty, 30, has enjoyed a remarkably varied career in coaching and analysis, with his former employers including Chinese side Xi Guan, Hadjuk Split of Croatia and FC Akron in Ukraine.
He cut his teeth as part of the Scottish FA’s Performance School initiative — later working with the under-21 squad — and has carried out consulting projects for Debrecen (Hungary), FK Sarajevo (Bosnia) and Philadelphia Union (U.S.).
However, he became firm friends with Courts during several months in Tayside last season, replacing the former Tangerines boss as Head of Tactical Performance when he landed the top job.
So, the draw was clear when Docherty, now sporting director at Budapest Honved, came calling for Courts.
“Chris is quite similar to me in that he has a background that has not just been in football,” explained Courts.
“Chris has been to China, Croatia and worked in a host of different countries.
“He was somebody I had worked with before he came to Dundee United.
“I didn’t know too much about him but we developed a relationship over a few months.
“In terms of his football knowledge and his vision of building a football club, it became very clear to me at Dundee United that he was somebody who would really develop and modernise a football club.”
‘Restoring the connection’
Given that the role of sporting director is already filled by Tony Asghar at United, Courts is full of praise for the Tannadice chief’s willingness to recruit someone with such lofty ambitions.
“It is probably worth pointing out that Dundee United and Tony Asghar made a really brave appointment in bringing Chris in,” continued Courts.
“It was always going to be his destiny to be a sporting director and the club utilised his knowledge, network and expertise.”
Embarking on his first ever campaign abroad — indeed, only his second-ever season as a top-flight manager — Courts’ Honved kick of their campaign against Zalaegerszegi TE on July 30.
He added: “Chris is someone I can trust and gives me that continuity while working abroad and trying to find my feet.
“But the first thing we need is to get some stability. That is our first objective.”
Addressing the ongoing ambitions, Courts added: “A couple of seasons ago, there were expectations that that haven’t been fulfilled. I get the sense the fans are now looking for action rather than words.
“The key thing for us is to put a team on the pitch that gives them a sense of pride; to see that they are fighting for the team.
“In the first instance, that will go a long way to getting the fans onside and restoring that connection.
“Then, hopefully that can build to better performances and results.”
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