John Sheridan throws his hat into the ring
Last updated : 22 December 2003 By The Chairman
John Sheridan has made no bones about wanting the Latics job on a permanent basis. His role as caretaker expires next month and he relishes the thought of giving it a go. Sheridan said, “It’s my first chance at this level, but I’ll give it everything I’ve got. I would definitely be interested. I believe in my own ability and I’m confident I could do the job. Results speak, so it was great to get the win against QPR and I’ll try to take my chance over the next few weeks. Obviously it isn’t my decision, but it would be nice to be in a strong position whenever the new manager is appointed."
"I can’t really comment on Iain’s choice to join Crystal Palace, but he thinks he has gone on to better things and we all wish him luck. He has been good to me and I think he will coach at the highest level. Everybody is disappointed, but these things happen in football and you just have to get on with life.”
Dowie left under a cloud. After denying any interest in the Crystal Palace job he secretly met with Simon Jordan earlier this month and then announced on Friday that he was accepting the job. Speculation is that Dowie was the highest paid manager in the Second Division so the savings for cash strapped Athletic will be enormous. Tony Philliskirk has denied that he will be moving to Palace with Dowie and has pledged his allegiance to Athletic. He told the Latics Chairman Barry Chaytow that he was keen to stay and continue his work on the Youth Development Department at Boundary Park. Let’s hope his intentions are more honourable than Mr. Dowies.
Chaytow commented, “We are delighted that Tony is staying on at Boundary Park, especially as he had the opportunity to move to London with Iain. Tony was instrumental in Saturday's victory playing a major part in the 2-1 win. He has to take credit for that and the tremendous attitude he has shown.” Names already being linked with the vacant manager’s job are Lou Macari, Bruce Rioch, Joe Kinnear and Stuart Pearce. Time will tell.