Sheridan in Leeds link

Reporter: by TONY BUGBY
Date published: 22 December 2008


Latics latest: Bookies put boss on job shortlist

JOHN SHERIDAN is being linked with the managerial vacancy at Leeds United following Gary McAllister’s dismissal yesterday.

The Athletic boss is among those quoted in the betting behind ex-Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd, Gus Poyet and Billy Davies.

It is unlikely Sheridan will leave Boundary Park, but it is a measure of the growing reputation of the former Leeds player that he is being associated with the Elland Road job.

It comes as no surprise to Athletic officials after he steered them to sixth and eighth places in Coca-Cola League One in the last two seasons. He is overseeing another push for promotion in the current campaign.

“John is an up-and-coming manager,” remarked chief executive Alan Hardy. “It shows that he is doing a good job by being noticed by other clubs”

Former Athletic manager Iain Dowie, out of work since being sacked by Queens Park Rangers, is another person in the frame for the job at Elland Road.

However, Sheridan’s most pressing priority is keeping his side in the promotion mix after Saturday’s disappointing home draw against Leyton Orient.

The Athletic chief admitted his side is in danger of blowing their chances by carelessly squandering points at Boundary Park, and is looking for wins over Crewe and Carlisle over the holiday period to keep them on track.

Despite being unbeaten in six league games, Sheridan has seen his side post three straight draws.

“We need to be winning matches,” he added. “We may as well win two and lose one rather than draw three.

Athletic fans intending to travel to Crewe on Boxing Day are reminded that the ticket office at Boundary Park closes at noon on Christmas Eve, so too the shop to book coach travel.


AUTHOR Dave Moore will be at Boundary Park tomorrow from 4pm to 7pm to sign copies of his book “Oldham Athletic On This Day” (Pitch Publishing, £9.99).



MANCHESTER City’s troubles increased when striker Benjani limped out of yesterday’s 2-1 defeat at West Brom, which leaves Mark Hughes’ side in the Premier League’s bottom three.

Benjani suffered a recurrence of a hamstring strain picked up against Everton a week earlier and City’s medical staff were today assessing the severity of the injury.