Adams in job talks

NEIL ADAMS . . . the 50-year-old had a spell in charge of Norwich City in the Premiership. PICTURE by ARCHANT

NEIL Adams has emerged as a leading contender for the job of Athletic manager.

Two weeks after John Sheridan walked out to make a move to Notts County, interviews have been held this week with candidates and a decision on who will take control is expected soon.

And the Chronicle can reveal that Adams ­- said to be very keen on the role ­- ­was interviewed by club directors yesterday.

The 50-year-old, a renowned right winger in Athletic's glory years, has enjoyed significant coaching success with Norwich City's under-18s and won the FA Youth Cup in 2013.

HANDED

He was handed the manager's job two years ago when Chris Hughton was sacked, but late in the season, could not prevent the club slipping out of the Premier League in the final five games of that season.

The following term, a great start to the Championship season petered out and he lost his job in early January, 2015, after winning 11 of his 32 matches in charge.

Since then, Adams has been working on the Canaries' coaching staff and now, he believes the time is right to take a step back in to club management.

Frank Bunn remains the odds-on favourite with online bookmakers after also speaking with Athletic, with Adams ­- not listed in the betting until yesterday ­- in as 7-4 second favourite.

Whatever the decision made by chairman Simon Corney, Athletic will want to act quickly in order that the new man in charge can start to build what at the moment looks like a threadbare squad.

Elsewhere in League One, Phil Parkinson has made a surprise move by leaving Bradford City for Bolton Wanderers.

Parkinson (48) had enjoyed great league and cup success in a five-year spell at Valley Parade and led the Bantams to the play-offs in 2015-16.

Sheridan had previously been linked with the role at Wanderers, a club struggling financially and recently relegated from the Championship.

THE FOOTBALL League has officially been re-branded.

Now known as the English Football League, or EFL for short, Sky Bet are continuing their sponsorship of the competition.