Dowie favourite, but new name enters Latics frame
Reporter: MATTHEW CHAMBERS
Date published: 07 February 2013
IAIN Dowie remains the main candidate for the manager’s job at Athletic — but the club is staying tight-lipped over whether he has received an offer.
Contact has been made with the 48-year-old manager, who left Boundary Park in 2003.
But Athletic officials won't comment on speculation that a contract has been offered.
His potential salary may scupper the chances of a deal.
Dowie, a former Northern Ireland striker who led Athletic to the League One play-offs a decade ago, has managed at Crystal Palace, Charlton, Coventry and QPR.
Former Derby, Hull and Preston boss Phil Brown remains second-favourite with the bookmakers and a new name is now being linked with the job — Southport manager Liam Watson on the list ahead of former England assistant Sammy Lee.
An appointment before Saturday’s MK Dons appears unlikely.
Dean Furman, who has not featured for Athletic since the 3-2 FA Cup third-round win at Nottingham Forest a month ago, could come straight back into the team for that game.
