Down to business

Latics draw up boss short list

SPECULATION continues to grow over the possible identity of Athletic’s new manager, with a host of high-profile names now linked with the job.

Club directors are still whittling down the applications received into a short list and interviews for the vacant role are expected to start next week.

Among those who have been mentioned in connection with Athletic are former Wales striker Dean Saunders, ex-Hearts boss Csaba László and Ossie Ardiles, the attack-minded former Tottenham Hotspur manager.

Athletic could look closer to home, though, with Jim Gannon still a strong contender for the job.

The 41-year-old would welcome a role in the North-West but it remains to be seen whether he would favour a job at his old employers Stockport County.

The Edgeley Park club are hoping to be out of administration soon, with the 2015 Group led by former club chief executive Sean Connolly hoping to take over.

Frank Bunn is tied with Gannon as the bookies’ favourite, with former Athletic goalkeeper Mark Crossley, now a player-coach at John Sheridan’s Chesterfield, also being tipped.

Caretaker manager Martin Gray is also in the running and, like Bunn, has made it clear he would welcome a crack at the job.

Meanwhile, Preston North End have been confirmed as friendly opponents for Athletic.

The Championship outfit, last week served with a winding-up petition over what is described as a failure to meet certain liabilities, are to visit Boundary Park on Tuesday, July 27 (7.30pm kick-off).

North End finished last season in 17th place and are managed by Darren Ferguson, son of Manchester United boss Sir Alex.