EDIN Rahic insists City are not taking a huge risk in appointing rookie head coach Michael Collins.

The 32-year-old was this morning handed the hot-seat role, six weeks after the departure of Simon Grayson.

Collins will be assisted by Greg Abbott and Martin Drury in his first senior coaching role. He will be unveiled at a press conference later today.

Chairman Rahic feels the internal appointment of the former under-18s coach does not represent as big a gamble as many will view it.

Rahic told the T&A: “Michael has his (UEFA) A coaching licence as does Martin and Greg, who has also a great amount of experience. It will be a very interesting coaching group.

“They know the club, have been involved in the recruitment process and we haven’t seen any other optional candidates in the weeks which have been better than them.

“We don’t see it as a gamble, no more than any appointment as a coach or manager.

“Is a big name a gamble? Yes.

“Is a German coach with no knowledge of League One and can’t speak English a gamble? Yes.

“This is not a gamble. All three of them have great experience of this league and that’s important.

“They know everyone, they know the players, they know the quality, they know the characters and I think it’s a great chance for them – and for us.”