In the days since Steve Parkin left the scene of his most recent footballing atrocity, (that 4-1 defeat at the hands of Bristol City) the rumour mill concerning his replacement has gone into overdrive. Listed below, in no particular order, are some of the names that have been linked with the job.
Predictably, many of those mentioned have connections with the club (ex-managers, ex-players, people who have at some point in their lives driven their car within 50 miles of
Glyn Hodges
Pros
Cheap. Did ok during his pre-Parkin three match stint in charge (a win over Premiership bound
Cons
Lack of experience. Cockney. Part of the backroom staff that has overseen the club’s freefall over the last eighteen months. Surely we need a fresh face?
Is it going to happen?
If we pick up some points over the next few weeks, it just might…
Danny Wilson
Pros
A living legend on
Cons
It’s never the same the second time around is it? Signed Dave Regis.
Is it going to happen?
Doubt it.
Ashley Ward
Pros
Another name guaranteed to make
Cons
No management experience. At all. Not a sausage. Used to own pot bellied pigs, which was frankly a bit weird.
Is it going to happen?
Nope
Craig Hignett / Paul Wilkinson
Pros
An under-rated part of our promotion team, Wilko has been doing well with the reserves at
Cons
Like our Ashley, Higgy has no management or coaching experience to speak of. It would be a gamble to appoint these two, but wasn’t Danny a gamble?
Is it going to happen?
Both attended the ‘Save the Reds’ meeting last Monday, which fuelled the rumours of this unlikely partnership. But definitely an outside bet.
Ronnie Moore
Pros
Much as I’m loathe to admit it, he has done a fantastic job at an unfashionable club with limited resources. Sound familiar?
Cons
Wears that hat.
Is it going to happen?
Doubt it. He’s hot property at the moment, and if he doesn’t get the
George Burley
Pros
Experienced, loyal, associated with good footballing teams. Managed to get some good performances out of Richard Naylor, which, judging by the way he played during his loan spell at Oakwell, is pretty impressive.
Cons
Bought a few dodgy (and expensive) overseas players in his last 12 months at
Is it going to happen?
I doubt it, unfortunately. Burley is destined for bigger & better things than the new Oakwell board (whoever they may be) can offer.
Joe Royle
Pros
An established name in the world of football management. An old head that would demand respect from some of the players in the squad who have consistently underperformed under Parkin & Spackman.
Cons
Not associated with football teams that are pleasing on the eye (his most successful side at Goodison were known as the ‘Dogs of War’). Tends to moan a lot, particularly at referees.
Is it going to happen?
Probably not. He’s too big a name to come to a club in our position, and that’s probably a good thing. As a caller on Radio S***field said this week: “Joe Royle? I’d rather have Jim Royle”
Ronnie Glavin
Pros
A local hero as a
Cons
Unproven at this level.
Is it going to happen?
He’s got to be in with a VERY good chance.
Mick McCarthy
Pros
Great player for the club, a proven manager at the highest level and (above all in some people’s eyes) nice and local. Would get the player’s fighting for the cause from day one. Has always made positive noises about coming back to manage his hometown club ‘one day’.
Cons
None.
Is it going to happen?
Highly unlikely. If he does leave the
Michael Parkinson
Pros
A good talker. Well known for his passion for the club. I personally have spotted him at countless
Cons
Team talks would invariably end up with Parky reminiscing about Skinner Normanton and other amusingly named
Is it likely to happen?
Don’t be so bloody daft, he’s a chat-show host. Mind you, I would give him more of a chance than Ashley Ward.