Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was a prolific striker who played under a lot of managers. His career started in Holland with Telstar and AZ Alkmaar, then took in Portugal with Campomaiorense and Boavista, before a successful spell at Leeds United, then off to Spain to play for Athletico Madrid, before Chelsea, Middlesborough, Charlton and finally Cardiff.He is now embarking on a career in management with his first position as manager of Belgian Second Division side Royal Antwerp, being appointed on May 29th.
It hasn't taken him long to snap up 21 year-old John Bostock after he was released by Tottenham when his contract expired at the end of the season. Hasselbaink is clearly excited to have signed such an unfulfilled talent and is hoping he can be a huge asset to his team.
His experience of playing at the highest level, in various countries and under a variety of managers may just help to bring out the talent that waits to be released within Bostock. Being allowed to just play under a manager who has faith in him without to much attention might be just what he needs.
"John is an exceptional talent. He needs some work to be done and some love but he can be a really big asset to our club. He is a number 10 or can play on the left.
"He’s played his first 45 mins and did really well. I’m really excited about him."
He was asked why he felt Bostock and others like him had to move abroad to find regular first-team football.
"Not only do these kids need a chance in the first-team, the clubs have to work and develop players.
"Give them the opportunities in the lower leagues and then in the first team. At certain teams the set up is not right in England.
"Look at Swansea, they have got it right, they have selected their last three managers in a certain way, they are all, more or less, similar. The identity of the teams has not change, they have just got stronger. A lot of clubs in England don’t do that."
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