THE Cowley brothers have been tipped to go into Premier League management by a former team-mate.

Boss Danny and assistant manager Nicky led Lincoln City to the Checkatrade Trophy after seeing off League One high-flyers Shrewsbury Town in the final.

Elliott Whitehouse’s close range strike after 16 minutes proved to be enough for the League Two side to secure victory at Wembley Stadium.

As a result, the Cowleys have won two trophies in as many campaigns with the Sincil Bank club.

And Steve Jones, who knows the brothers well thanks to a playing stint together at Hornchurch, believes the former FitzWimarc School teachers will manage at a higher level in the near future.

Jones, who also counts Billericay Town and West Ham United among his former clubs, said: “I know the Cowleys from the time we spent together at Hornchurch.

“You could always see that they were management material and they’ve done really well.

“They won promotion with Lincoln and now they have won the Checkatrade Trophy, so they have been brilliant.

“It’s great to see them doing so well and I still keep in contact with them.

“My son, Liam, was one of the ball boys at Wembley for the Checkatrade Trophy final and Danny spoke to him in the tunnel, which was great.

“I’m sure they have a big future ahead of them and they will be working in the Championship or Premier League soon.”

The managerial duo have been heavily linked with moves away from Lincoln in the summer due to their impressive record with the Imps.

Championship side Ipswich Town is thought to be one club Danny and Nicky are on the radar of, with Mick McCarthy leaving Portman Road at the end of the season.