Taggart favourite for assistant role

GERRY Taggart

GERRY Taggart appears set to link up with Athletic, provided he can agree terms with the club.

The Chronicle understands that the 39-year-old, a good friend of player-manager Paul Dickov, would welcome the chance to move in as the new boss’s assistant at Boundary Park if the deal is right.

And Taggart, currently reserve-team manager at Leicester City, would not see his employers stand in the way if negotiations are successful.

Without naming their man, Athletic are hoping that a deal can be struck for Dickov’s assistant by early next week.

Taggart is regarded as an important member of Nigel Pearson’s backroom team at the Championship outfit.

But with no reserve side to take charge of last term — it was cut due to financial reasons — the former Barnsley, Leicester and Stoke centre-back is keen to sink his teeth into a fresh challenge.

Provided the deal is completed, Taggart will issue instructions from the dug-out if and when Dickov lends a hand on the field.

A successful swoop for Taggart would end speculation that Frank Bunn is to be installed as Dickov’s number two.

The former Athletic striker was one of 10 candidates interviewed for the manager’s job, but ended up being overlooked.