Yates back for more

IN THE FRAME . . . Mark Yates is one of several applicants for the Athletic manager’s post. Picture: Michael Smith/Local World Gloucestershire.

MARK Yates is among a select group set for further talks over the long-term manager’s role at Athletic.

The former Cheltenham boss (45), said to have been recommended by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, is one of several candidates to have impressed in interviews.

Speaking from New York, chairman Simon Corney said he is set to invite back the most promising interviewees. He returns to the UK in time for the Coventry game on April 14.

“Yates is an excellent candidate, but we had seen quite a few excellent candidates,” Corney said. “It is a fluid process. You never really know what you are getting until they arrive and it is not an easy task. We have a few we want to talk to again.”

Yates left Cheltenham in November after almost five years, during which he guided the club to two play-off finals in League Two - despite a playing budget of only around £700,000. He also spent three years at Kidderminster and more recently studied for a UEFA Pro Licence with Manchester United’s Ryan Giggs.

Scott Sellars’ claim to the role appears to have faded, even though he appeared set before Holden was given the job to the end of the season. Other candidates believed to be among the 100-plus applications include Steve Eyre, Shefki Kuqi, Winston Bogarde, Gennaro Gattuso and Tony Carss.

Corney said it was the right course to hand it to Holden while deliberations continue: “It’s an ongoing process.”

“Dean Holden has had a difficult job to do, but he has proven that it was the right decision by guiding us to safety. He has put us into a position where we can talk to people from a position of strength.

“If we do bring in someone new, then obviously they will need to sort things out in the next few weeks.

“Dean has done an excellent job. He couldn’t have stood up stronger to the task. I am very pleased and impressed with him. He has a very bright future in the game.”

@Matt_Chambers_