Latics close in on new boss

ATHLETIC hope to appoint a new manager within the next seven to 10 days, with Jim Gannon emerging as the favourite to land the job.

Managing director Simon Corney hinted the search began some time ago to find John Sheridan’s long-term successor.

“We’re quite close to sorting things out. We have been extremely happy with the calibre of the managers we have met so far,” he explained.

Bookmakers Victor Chandler have installed Stockport County chief Gannon as 7/2 favourite to take charge at Boundary Park.

Gannon has transformed County’s fortunes since he took charge in January 2006 when their Football League status was under threat.

In just over three years he lifted them from 92nd place to mount a challenge for a play-off place in League One.

Gannon has been frustrated by the off-the-field financial problems at Edgeley Park, having had to sell key players Liam Dickinson, Anthony Pilkington and Jim McNulty to bring in around £1.5million.

He was linked with Brighton not long ago and is understood to be keen to take on a new challenge.

Paul Ince, sacked by Blackburn Rovers this season, is second favourite at 4/1 with Athletic legend Andy Ritchie third in the running at 5/1 to make a return for a second spell as manager. He was sacked by controversial former owner Chris Moore in 2001.

Victor Chandler’s list includes some surprise choices such as Paul Scholes, Gus Poyet, Glenn Roeder, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Lawrie Sanchez and Ian Holloway.

It also features current No 2 Tommy Wright, coach Lee Duxbury and keeper Mark Crossley as well as former Latics players Denis Irwin, Lee Richardson, Andy Holden and Neil Redfearn.

Three names I believe could be in the frame are Mark Robins, Alan Knill and Aidy Boothroyd.

Chadderton-lad Mark Robins, the former Manchester United striker, has had two successful seasons at Rotherham despite each time kicking off with 10 and 17 point penalties.

Athletic’s owners are also understood to be impressed with the job done by Knill at Bury, who are challenging for automatic promotion from League Two.

The name of Boothroyd, sacked by Watford earlier this season, was mentioned in the immediate aftermath of John Sheridan’s departure.

One name not included on the list is former Athletic striker Frank Bunn who is currently assistant manager at Coventry City.

Bunn has been quietly gaining experience on the coaching staff at Manchester City and Coventry.

He is still based in Uppermill and could emerge as a dark horse as he has ambitions to eventually become a number one.