Football draws individuals from all corners of life, yet few can rival the tale of Paul Montgomery, the extravagant Geordie who transitioned from managing a floating nightclub to discovering some of Britain’s top football talent in the last four decades.
Renowned football figure Sir Bobby Robson, a beloved legend of the game, dubbed Montgomery as ‘my rough diamond’ due to his unwavering ability to deliver results unlike any other scout. In the mid-90s, Montgomery linked up with Derby County to reunite with Jim Smith, who had initially placed his trust in Montgomery’s talents back in Newcastle, all set to uncover hidden gems.
Now known as football scout Monty, he has recently published a captivating book titled “Rough Diamond,” brimming with engaging stories. An exclusive excerpt from the book, shared by DerbyshireLive, reveals Montgomery’s strategic approach and keen eye for talent.
Montgomery wasted no time in scouring for experienced foreign internationals who could bring quality and skill within budget constraints. One standout was Robin van der Laan, a combative central midfielder with long hair already plying his trade at Port Vale. Montgomery had tracked him for years and was confident in his ability to bolster their midfield. Convincing Jim Smith to sign him proved fruitful, as van der Laan soon became the team captain, exuding a commanding presence on the pitch.
Another talent that caught Montgomery’s attention was Ron Willems, a former Ajax forward who left Champions League football in Switzerland for a new challenge in England. Initially considered as a leader in the forward line, a timely conversation with former Manchester United striker Joe Jordan revealed Willems’ proficiency in a playmaking role behind the strikers, a valuable insight that reshaped Derby’s strategy.
In a critical juncture when Derby was struggling, Montgomery’s recommendation to sign Croatian defender Igor Stimac proved pivotal. Stimac’s efficiency as a ball-playing sweeper led to a significant shift in Derby’s defensive dynamics, despite an initial setback in a heavy defeat to Tranmere Rovers.
Montgomery’s journey from a nightlife entrepreneur to a revered football scout exemplifies the unpredictable and fascinating nature of talent scouting in the beautiful game.
Jim made a bold tactical decision to shake things up by switching to a formation with three defenders, four midfielders, and a deep-lying center-forward, Willems, operating behind Gabbiadini and Sturridge. The impact was astounding as Derby secured a stunning 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion, kickstarting an impressive run of 10 victories in the next 11 matches. This winning streak, part of a 20-game unbeaten run, propelled Derby into promotion places early in 1996.
The team maintained composure throughout the crucial period, with a vital 2-1 win over Crystal Palace securing second place and a coveted spot in the Premier League. Much credit was given to the influential Stimac, who elevated the team’s class, composure, and confidence on the field according to Jim’s autobiography.
The buzz around promotion led to increased demand for season tickets, underscoring the urgency of completing Pride Park, Derby’s prospective new stadium. The focus was on fast-tracking construction to satisfy eager fans anticipating the Premier League campaign. Looking ahead, preparations included the addition of marquee signings to boost excitement and raise the team’s quality.
The quest for new talent was on, with Emmanuel Petit emerging as a prime target for a significant fee. Although comparisons were made between Petit and Powell, Jim prioritized strengthening various areas if investing heavily in one player. Additional suggestions included Thierry Henry, a promising young winger, and Aljosa Asanovic, a top Croatian midfielder.
Jim trusted the recommendations and made significant signings, including Asanovic, whose pinpoint passes and stellar performances played a crucial role in Derby’s survival in the Premier League the following season.
Jim and Steve McClaren wasted no time after finalizing a deal; they jetted off to Dublin to watch Croatia play a pre-Euro ’96 warm-up against Republic of Ireland. Observing the impressive performance of the 30-year-old player, they returned convinced he was the standout talent on the pitch that day. With Croatia making it to the quarter-finals of the European Championship that year, their positive impression of him was reinforced.
Jim was always in the thick of transfer activities during the busy close season. He once inquired about Christian Dailly, to which the response highlighted Dailly’s versatility as both a striker and a central defender. Jim, trusting the assessment of Alan Hodgkinson, Scotland’s goalkeeping coach, decided to sign Dailly, appreciating his ability to cover multiple positions effectively. This decision reflected Jim’s tendency to heed the opinions of those he trusted, underscoring his greatness.
