Managerial merry-go-round in full swing

Last updated : 31 May 2006 By Rob Davies
Today's appointment of Northampton Town chief Colin Calderwood into the vacant hotseat over the River kept the number of clubs in League Two searching for a manager at five - almost a quarter of the division's clubs.

Notts, Wycombe Wanderers, Lincoln City, MK Dons and Hartlepool are all on quests to fill their managerial vacancies as quickly as possible, in order to give their new man the best possible chance of forming a team capable of promotion from the league.

Peterborough, at least, are one club that now have their man in place. The Posh unveiled ex Lincoln boss Keith Alexander on a four-year contract today, leaving the rumour mill at least one name short as the Magpies seek to replace Thordarson.

While names - some familar, some less so - are thrown into the hat daily by supporters, what is an undoubted worry is that, not only do Notts face competition from five other clubs in their division for the best possible new boss, but all of those teams finished in a significantly higher position last season - making them more obviously attractive to possible suitors.

The new Forest boss
What this effectively means is that Notts could be at the back of the queue when the new appointments are finalised.


Couple that with the four League One clubs - Northampton, Yeovil Town, Tranmere Rovers and, most recently, Brentford - hoping to fill their post's and it becomes clear that the departure of Thordarson on Friday has left the Magpies in something of a mine-field.

What is looking more likely is that - following in the wake of Peterborough's appointment today - some of the six teams could effectively swap managers.

John Gorman (Wycombe), Danny Wilson (MK Dons), Neale Cooper (Hartlepool) and Brian Little (Tranmere), have all been touted by supporters as potential suitors, with their availability undoubtedly a pull to the Magpies, who currently have just seven players contracted for the next season, with only three of those aged over 21.

Experienced Gorman, in particular, has attracted strong support on the NCM Messageboard and has stated that he wants an immediate return to management, despite the recent passing of his wife.

Of course, the competition could count against Notts, though, with clubs at this level and above undoubtedly interested in such a proven tactician.

While Northampton will have been dis-pleased with today's announcement, it enhances Ian McParland's status as the early front-runner for the Notts job.

Gudjon: Departed
McParland had sustained hope of being handed the reins at the City Ground on a permanent basis and, though Chairman Nigel Doughty is desperate to keep him involved in the Forest backroom staff, the Scot has spoken of his desire to move into first-team management, with or without the Reds.

One surprise candidate for the Magpies vacancy could be former boss Russell Slade.

Slade - now manager at Grimsby - was widely-ridiculed during his brief spell in charge at Meadow Lane in the mid 90's, but has since build a reputation as a safe pair of hands at this level.

While the Mariners are keen to tie Slade down to a fresh deal, the Nottingham-born coach is believed to be upset at his lack transfer funds for the upcoming campaign and is also attracting interest from Yeovil and MK Dons.

Free agents Leroy Rosenior, Mick Harford and Keith Curle have also registered their interest in the post at Meadow Lane.



For all the latest on Notts' prospective new managers, be sure to stay tuned to NCM.