Just the job for Butt

NICKY BUTT: front runner

Ex-England star’s sights on vacant managerial post

NICKY BUTT has emerged as a shock contender for the Athletic job.

The Champions League-winning former Manchester United midfield general wants to get into coaching and would welcome an opportunity in his native North-West.

Butt (35) has left Newcastle United, where he was club captain and lifted the Championship title to guide the club back into the Premier League.

And he could end up on the short list for the Athletic post which was being finalised by club directors today.

Butt could fulfil a player-manager role, depending on whether he opts to retire or not, although it remains to be seen whether a big cut in wages and a reduced playing budget for next season would put him off taking up his first managerial role.

Few candidates will have as glittering a CV as Butt.

After making his debut for United against Athletic in November, 1992, he went on to claim six Premier League titles and a Champions' League winners' medal while at Old Trafford.

Butt also won 39 caps for England and was so impressive at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea that Brazil legend Pele named him as his player of the tournament.

Of the other main contenders, Frank Bunn has moved into the lead as the bookies' new favourite ahead of Jim Gannon, with Paul Simpson next, ahead of caretaker boss Martin Gray.

Bunn, who lives in Saddleworth, has been out of work since leaving Championship club Coventry recently.

Interviews for the job are likely to begin next week.

Meanwhile, Athletic have lined up their first pre-season friendly.

Burnley, relegated from the Premier League last season, are to visit Boundary Park on Monday, July 12.