Walsall’s search for a new manager looks set to stretch into next week, according to chairman Jeff Bonser.
The Express & Star understands that the shortlist is now to down to four candidates, one of which is caretaker-boss Jimmy Mullen but Bonser, after initially hoping to appoint someone by the end of this week, now says that is unlikely.
“I would say we’re closing in, although I might have been a bit optimistic to say that it will be tied up this week, but that’s how things go sometimes,” Bonser said.
“Some of the people that I want to talk to are not available for one reason or another at this moment in time, so it might drag into next week now.”
And Bonser again stressed his desire to have a new man on board as quickly as possible in order to start building for next season.
“I’m as anxious to try and set the right man on to the job as the fans are,” he said.
“I am a fan at the end of the day and I want to get a manager in place.
“It’s impossible to bring players in at the moment because a player isn’t going to sign for the club unless they know who the manager is.
“We’re not dragging our feet. We’re talking about it 24 hours a day and we’re in discussions with people at the moment.
“I’d still like to have it done by the end of the week, but it looks like it might go into next week to be honest.”
16 Comments
Flippin ‘eck Jeff, you got the E&S on speed dial?
Doesn’t sound that promising for Jimmy then??
But Jeffery, with your freedom of the town, you can do what you like, surely appointing a new manager isnt that hard?
Or is it that your preferred candidate saw the terms of the agreement and said “no thanks”.
No need for anymore second rate comedians in the Bonser Suite from now on, JB can just take up residency.
Top entertainment as ever, keep ‘em coming E and S, can’t wait for tomorrow’s interview. I havn’t watched daytime tele all week!!
Jeff Bonser, what a plank!!
4 weeks and counting without a manager!! Never mind, the new boss will have a season to plan our league 2 championship assault.
We are doomed this season.
Shortlist down from 5 to 4 so does that mean Ian Holloway was on the shortlist ?.
Hardly a press comment for years and now once you’ve started you can’t stop. Pity they’re all total uninformative drivel.
Want to tell us something informative? How about strating with publically naming your price for the freehold?
Blimey Jeff Bonser in the E&S again!! I think perhaps the preferred candidate has seen the terms or after a meeting with Mr Bonser said thanks I’ll stop unemployed… I hope this isn’t the case and it’s a preferred candidate is actually on his jollies. Still…good luck in the loan/free market mate!!
Personally I’m hoping for a Polish manager. Then, with SunTanMan ‘beavering away’ in the background, we’ll have a plank supported by a pole.
So reading between the lines, Mullen isn’t getting it, and the first choice on the list of 4 has turned it down. The second choice is currently interviewing elsewhere and won’t come back to Jeff til he has seen what other offers are on the table…………
OUTCOME - we will miss out on best options and have to settle for a compromise, which may well bring Mullen back into contention.
What’s Ray Graydon doing now?
another week he dosent have to pay a managers salary ?
Not dragging our feet?
Go get the one you want and sign him up then!
4 weeks, dreadful.
OUT WITH BONSER
I think Ray is working for the FA or something. His name was mentioned with doing a report on the Fulham game regarding bookings and them getting into Europe. Sure he would be available!!!
First on the list was most likely Ian Holloway so thats why its now down to 4
I have heard on the grapevine that Martin Allen is one of the 4 Bonser wants and also Mike Newell is there too. Probably stalling over salarys though.
Anyone else get a feeling of deja vu???