Back to the future?

IAIN Dowie has emerged as favourite to take over at Athletic after the departure of Paul Dickov.

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IAIN Dowie is the number one choice for Athletic’s next manager.

The Chronicle understands contact has already been made between chairman Simon Corney and Dowie with regard to replacing Paul Dickov, who resigned yesterday.

Dowie (48) left Boundary Park in acrimonious fashion a decade ago, at one stage threatening legal action against the club’s previous regime.

Dowie is known to be interested, though a sticking point could be the salary he would command.

Bookmakers currently the ex-Crystal Palace, Charlton, Coventry and QPR boss as second-favourite for the Athletic job behind Phil Brown.

Brown, who at one stage this season appeared well-set to take over at Hartlepool, is another character of the type that would appeal to Corney and the Athletic board.

He guided Hull away from relegation danger and into the top flight in successive seasons, though his last stint as a boss at Preston ended with his sacking just over 12 months ago.

Other leading candidates according to the bookies are Gary Megson, another former Athletic manager John Sheridan, currently at Plymouth, and ex-Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt.

Speaking to the Chronicle, Corney said there was a surge of interest from prospective managers and their agents as soon as the news came out of Dickov's departure.

“It has been incredible,” said Corney, who was at Dickov’s final game as Athletic slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Walsall.

“All sorts of managers and agents have been calling up and my phone has been ringing constantly.”

An appointment is unlikely be made before tomorrow night’s home game against Yeovil.