Source: FOOTYMAD
Who Is Paul Brush?
Why He's Our New Broom On Mondays ... da da da da da da da. West Ham United’s youth set up have been providing a production line of talent since the 1960’s deducing that home grown is far better than paying to own, via a transfer system not a million miles from an interest free HP agreement over 3 – 5 years. Paul Brush the Imps current canny assistant manager was part of one of the richest eras, the 1970’s After debuting against Norwich City in Division One at the beginning of the 1977/78 season, Paul no nonsense full back made the bench for the FA Cup final against Arsenal. The 1-0 win courtesy of a Brooking header crowned an achievement that saw a side outside the top flight triumph in the FA Cup for the last time. Brush did play at Wembley for the Hammers, in the charity Shield 3 months later against Liverpool. Ever-present, with 42 League outings in 1978-1979, he would go on to make 151 league appearances, netting once against QPR and played all 42 Having fallen down the pecking order by his mid twenties Crystal Palace took him under their wing for 3 years. Southend then signed him in 1987 where he would play for another 3 seasons before dropping into non-league football with Enfield and Heybridge Swifts and undertaking his coaching badges with a view to going into management. Brush joined Leyton Orient as youth coach in 1994 and worked his way up to manager in 2001 at a club not exactly blessed with cash. In 101 games for Orient Paul won 28, drew 26 and lost 46. He built a competitive side with a well marshalled defence in particular and attractive counter attacking style when everyone was fit. That was to be his undoing after two years at the helm Orient, hit by injuries and suspensions, the O’s crashed to a 3-0 defeat at Huddersfield to leave them second bottom. Assistant manager Martin Ling took over the poisoned challis, one of his many challenges. Being the number one, with its media trappings and politics was not really Paul’s cup of Rosey Lea, with the East Ender jumping at the chance to team up with Steve Tilson in late 2003. The two Essex lads showed a real passion in the face of adversity at Southend, first turning the dressing room before the belief began to show on the pitch, with relegation comfortably avoided and a Cup final to boot. With money in short supply Brush built a network of talent spotting with he and Tilson then clocking up the miles to put what little cash they had to good use. The results were spectacular with the side avoiding relegation and reaching the Football League Trophy final losing 0-2 to Blackpool. The side then lost the final the following season to Wrexham 0-2, two of those prodigal sons came good as Freddy Eastwood and Duncan Jupp put paid to the Imps aspirations in Cardiff. A second successive promotion saw them take Southend up again, this time as Champions, to the championship. The trophy was paraded in from of 11,400 jubilant Shrimpers after a 1-0 win over Bristol City with Steve Tilson receiving the League 1 Manager of the season award for 2006. The Championship season was a tough one that saw relegation although the following year a rebuilt side almost made the playoffs as the debts mounted. But that is another story and a path we do not want to tread. Paul was subsequently replaced last March as assistant manager by David Webb with Chairman Ron Martin stating that he wanted a positive approach to the on field activities. Their loss is undoubtedly our gain with us benefiting from a meticulous realist with a wealth of tactical knowledge. He and Tilson believe in t-e-a-m and certainly know how to put a smile on the lads faces as the dark times have already proved. So the next time you see Paul Brush doing a warm up, be aware he is putting the finishing touches to his week of preparation. He has also doubtless clocked up the miles and the mobile minutes checking on just who Steve Tilson should be considering for our own ambitions next season. Name: Paul BrushDate of birth 22 February 1958 (1958-02-22) (age 52)Place of birth Plaistow East London, EnglandPlaying position Full back Current club Lincoln City (Assistant Manager) The Player Youth career 1974-1976 West Ham United Years Team Apps† (Gls)†1977–1985 West Ham United 151 (1)1985–1988 Crystal Palace 50 (3)1987–1990 Southend United 73 (1)1990-1991 Enfield 1991-1994 Heybridge Swifts Totals 274 5 Teams managed2001–2003 Leyton Orient Leyton Orient 15 Oct 2001 - 27 Sep 2003 GAMES WON DRAWN LOST101 29 26 46
