Colin Calderwood, Scottish footballer and manager

Colin Calderwood, born on 20 January 1965, is a highly respected Scottish professional figure in football, renowned for his extensive career as both a formidable central defender and a seasoned manager. With a playing career that spanned over two decades and a subsequent transition into various coaching and managerial roles, Calderwood has left an indelible mark on numerous clubs across the English football pyramid and beyond. He is currently serving as the assistant manager at Northampton Town, a role he returned to, underscoring his deep connection with the club where he first tasted managerial success.

An Illustrious Playing Career

A Dominant Presence at Centre-Back

As a player, Colin Calderwood was primarily known for his commanding presence and leadership as a centre-back. His career saw him represent several prominent clubs, most notably in the top flight of English football. He first made his mark in the Football League with clubs such as Mansfield Town and Swindon Town, before ascending to the highest echelons of the game.

• Tottenham Hotspur (1989-1993): Calderwood was a key defensive figure for Spurs during his four years at White Hart Lane. He was part of the squad that famously won the FA Cup in 1991, showcasing his abilities at the pinnacle of English club football.
• Aston Villa (1993-1999): His move to Aston Villa in 1993 saw him continue to excel in the newly formed Premier League. During his six-year tenure at Villa Park, he was instrumental in the team's successes, including their victory in the League Cup in 1996, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier defender.

Beyond his Premier League stints, Calderwood also played significant roles for Nottingham Forest and Notts County later in his career, contributing his vast experience to their Football League campaigns.

International Recognition with Scotland

Calderwood’s consistent performances at club level earned him significant international recognition. He proudly represented the Scotland national football team, earning 36 caps. His international career highlight includes participating in two major tournaments:

• UEFA Euro 1996: He was an integral part of the Scotland squad that competed in the European Championship held in England, where they narrowly missed out on qualification from the group stage on goal difference.
• FIFA World Cup 1998: Calderwood also featured in Scotland's squad for the FIFA World Cup in France, marking another significant achievement in his distinguished playing career on the global stage.

Transition to Management – Early Successes

Northampton Town: A Promising Start (2003-2006)

Following his retirement as a player, Colin Calderwood seamlessly transitioned into football management, taking the helm at Northampton Town in 2003. This move marked the beginning of a successful managerial journey, as he quickly demonstrated his leadership and tactical acumen. His efforts culminated in the 2005-2006 season when he guided the Cobblers to a well-deserved promotion from League Two to League One, a significant achievement for the club and a clear indicator of his potential as a manager.

Nottingham Forest: Back to Back Promotions (2006-2008)

Calderwood's success at Northampton caught the attention of Nottingham Forest, one of his former clubs as a player, who appointed him manager in 2006. He continued his impressive trajectory, leading Forest to promotion from League One to the Championship in the 2007-2008 season. This was a particularly notable achievement, marking Forest's return to the second tier of English football and further cementing Calderwood’s reputation as a manager capable of guiding teams to upward mobility.

Diverse Coaching Roles and Challenges

Despite his early successes, the nature of football management often involves transitions. Calderwood was unfortunately sacked by Nottingham Forest in December 2008. However, his experience and knowledge remained highly sought after.

• Newcastle United (First Team Coach, 2009-2010): Shortly after his departure from Forest, Calderwood moved to Newcastle United, taking on the role of first-team coach. This period allowed him to work within a Premier League environment, gaining valuable experience from a different perspective within a major club.
• Hibernian (Manager, 2010-2011): After approximately a year on Tyneside, Calderwood returned to full-time management, taking charge of Scottish Premiership club Hibernian. Despite the ambition, his tenure in Edinburgh lasted just over a year before he departed from the role.

A Valued Partnership with Chris Hughton

A significant phase of Colin Calderwood’s coaching career involved a long-standing and highly effective professional partnership with manager Chris Hughton. This collaboration saw them work together across several clubs, often achieving notable successes and demonstrating Calderwood’s versatility as an assistant manager:

• Newcastle United (Assistant Manager): Initially joining Hughton's staff during Hughton's time as manager.
• Birmingham City (Assistant Manager): Assisting Hughton in a successful period for the Championship club.
• Norwich City (Assistant Manager): Supporting Hughton during their time in the Premier League.
• Brighton & Hove Albion (Assistant Manager): Playing a key role in Brighton’s promotion to the Premier League and subsequent establishment in the top flight, a testament to the duo’s tactical understanding and team building capabilities. This extensive period alongside Hughton showcased Calderwood's ability to contribute to stable and progressive club environments.

Return to Full-Time Management and Current Role

After his successful stints as assistant manager, including a spell at Aston Villa where he continued to contribute his expertise, Colin Calderwood once again sought a return to the forefront of management.

• Cambridge United (Manager, 2018-2020): He took charge of Cambridge United, where he spent two years as manager. During his time with the U’s, Calderwood worked to stabilise the club and implement his strategic vision, navigating the challenges of Football League management.

Currently, Colin Calderwood is back at Northampton Town, serving as the assistant manager. This return to Sixfields, where he previously enjoyed managerial triumph, highlights his enduring commitment to the club and his continued contribution to professional football.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Colin Calderwood's current role in football?

Colin Calderwood is currently the assistant manager at Northampton Town, a position he has held since his return to the club.

Which major clubs did Colin Calderwood play for?

As a player, Colin Calderwood notably played as a centre-back for Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa. He also had significant spells with Mansfield Town, Swindon Town, Nottingham Forest, and Notts County in the Football League.

How many times was Colin Calderwood capped by Scotland?

Colin Calderwood earned 36 caps for the Scotland national football team during his playing career.

Did Colin Calderwood manage Nottingham Forest to promotion?

Yes, Colin Calderwood successfully guided Nottingham Forest to promotion from League One to the Championship in the 2007-2008 season.

Which manager did Colin Calderwood frequently work with as an assistant?

Colin Calderwood shared a long and successful coaching partnership with Chris Hughton, serving as his assistant manager at clubs including Newcastle United, Birmingham City, Norwich City, and Brighton & Hove Albion.