Dowie is fans’ choice

Photo: Darren Robinson

Tony Philliskirk and Athletic defender Jean-Yves Mvoto at training yesterday.

ALL EYES will be focused on the main stand at Boundary Park tonight as the race for the manager’s role heats up.

Tony Philliskirk is set to take charge of the team for the Yeovil clash on a vital night of action in npower League One, with interested parties for the permanent job likely to be in attendance to cast an eye over Athletic.

Iain Dowie, the club’s first choice, currently heads the betting market at even money and appears to be the man of choice of the fans too. Chairman Simon Corney has vowed to take the fans’ views into account.

Dowie, who led Athletic into the play-offs in 2002-03 before quitting for Crystal Palace, leads a poll on the OWTB supporters’ internet forum with almost 50 per cent of the vote.

Former Leeds and Huddersfield boss Simon Grayson is next at just under 20 per cent.

If Athletic can offer Dowie the right deal, he would appear to be a perfect fit for the club.

Corney has received over 75 applications for the job so far — at least one of whom has international experience.

There are two other games of major importance to Athletic in League One tonight. Colchester - one place above Athletic in 19th, two points clear - play host to Swindon; while third-bottom Scunthorpe are at home to second-bottom Portsmouth.

If the Iron claim their expected three points against Pompey, only a victory for Athletic will keep the club out of the bottom-four.