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Contenders, Ready?
Thursday 22nd
October, 2009
By Richard Ault
The race
to become Tranmere’s new manager is hotting up with new names
being linked every day. The general consensus seems to be that
an appointment is likely early next, so who could be in the
frame?
The
usual names were being linked immediately after John Barnes
left. The likes of Steve Coppell and Paul Jewell were the big
names amongst a list as long as your arm, but there is no
evidence to suggest that either is, or was, interested, let
alone affordable.
It’s a
bit like playing ‘Pin the tail on the donkey’ at this point, so
we will give you a quick run-down of the names mentioned, and a
couple of our own we will throw into the mix, along with a brief
biography of their careers thus far and any latest odds from the
bookies.
The (supposed)
front-runners
Les
Parry
A month
ago most of us would have dismissed the thought of Les Parry
being in charge of first team affairs, let alone that he would
be considered as a long-term replacement to John Barnes. After
two spirited performances under the popular physio, it would be
foolish to rule him out at this point.
Assisted
by Shaun Garnett and with input from Wayne Allison, Les has
instilled some passion back into the players, and the fans.
Although publicly he remains unsure if he wants the job
full-time, if Peter Johnson was to call him into his office and
offer him the job, it would be difficult for him to say no.
Still a bit of an outsider at this point, Les would at least
have the fans on his side should he get the nod.
Current
odds: 12/1
Wayne
Allison
The
Chief was a popular player during his time at the club as a
player, and his willingness to help out in the coaching
department since Barnes’ departure has certainly thrust him back
into everyone's thoughts. Wayne is an intelligent man with a
vast knowledge of lower leagues, and someone you feel would
command respect from the players. He also seems to be a man with
a potentially promising future in the game having got a whole
host of coaching badges, including the UEFA A, B and Pro
Licenses.
Current
odds: 12/1
David
Kelly
Prior to
John Barnes’ appointment, and even Ronnie Moore before him, Ned
was a popular shout from some fans to take the job. He has more
than served his apprenticeship as an Assistant Manager, firstly
helping out Ray Mathias to terrific effect at Prenton Park
before similarly successful spells with Neil Warnock and then
Billy Davies at the likes of Sheffield United, Preston North End
and Nottingham Forest.
He is
still at Forest now but is a huge hero to Rovers fans, mainly
for the Cup Final goal in 2000 that gave 30,000 of us(?) two
minutes of unbridled joy and euphoria. He scored some big goals
during his time at Prenton Park and also has an extensive
playing career behind him too with clubs such as Newcastle
United, Wolves and Sunderland. Would be an extremely popular
choice should he get the job.
Current
odds: 7/1
Ray
Mathias
The
player, the coach, the assistant manager and the manager. Ray
Mathias has done it all at Prenton Park, and when his dream came
true of managing his beloved Rovers in 2002 after taking over a
beleaguered squad from the hapless Dave Watson, he went on a
monumental and unforgettable unbeaten run that put us within a
hairs breadth of a play-off berth.
Things
fizzled out the next season as his budgets were slashed, but it
mattered little to his reputation as he hooked up with Paul Ince
as his assistant at Macclesfield Town to produce a small miracle
in avoiding relegation.
Such was
Ince’s faith in Ray, he took him to MK Dons with him and then to
the Premier League as Blackburn came knocking. His spell with
Blackburn was cut-short as he and Ince were dismissed after a
poor start to the season, and Mathias remains on ‘gardening
leave’ for the time being from the Premiership club. He is
believed to be free to work again from November, perhaps paving
the way for a return ‘home’?
He would
have the backing of the fans, even if some are sceptical about
bringing him back for a second spell, but what is undeniable is
the similarities between when he took over last time and now.
Let’s not forget how well he used the loan market last time
around the bolster his squad and fire us up the league (Jackson,
Edwards, Proudlock, etc).
Current
odds: 9/1
Steve
Cotterill
Cotterill had a solid career as a professional in the lower
leagues before turning his hand to management in 1887 when he
took over at Cheltenham Town in the Conference. He shook the
Robins up, transforming them from an average non-league side
into a team playing an attractive brand of football that earned
two promotions up to League One.
He was
interviewed for the job at Prenton Park prior to Brian Little
being appointed in 2003 but ended up taking over at Burnley a
short-time later. A relatively successful spell at Turf Moor
ended in 2007 when he failed to get the club promoted and he has
been on the look-out for a new post since then.
Current
odds: 4/1 favourite
Others
Alan
Knill – Currently at Bury, the former Rotherham and
Chesterfield manager has been heavily linked this week. Led Bury
to the play-offs last season. Current odds: Un-priced
Stan
Ternent – Veteran manager who may be struggling to find
another job after a wholly unsuccessful stint at Huddersfield
last season. Formerly of Gillingham, Burnley, etc. Current odds:
12/1
Lawrie Sanchez – Currently out of work, he led Wycombe
Wanderers to the FA Cup semi-finals just under a decade ago and
also managed Northern Ireland before having a spell in charge of
Premiership Fulham. Current odds: 12/1
John
Coleman – Led Accrington Stanley back into the Football
League with his no-nonsense approach to management. Would likely
jump at the chance to step up to Rovers. Current odds:
Bobby
Williamson – Ex-Hibs, Chester and Plymouth Manager desperate
for a return to football. Believed to have thrown his hat into
the ring but not even in the running as far as the bookies are
concerned. Current odds: 5/1
John
Aldridge – Aldo is strangely 4/1 joint-favourite with
bookies, but he has spoken in the media about having no interest
in returning to football management.
Ivano
Bonetti – A name not mentioned at all yet, Bonetti has
management experience having led Dundee for two years earlier
this century. Now working back in Italy, although not in
management, would the Italian be interested in a return to
Prenton Park? Current odds: Un-priced
For a full run-down of the latest odds on who will be the next
manager, visit Victor Chandler by clicking this link.
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