AND THE NOMINATIONS ARE...
Last updated : 10 May 2005 By Pars Mad
AND THE NOMINATIONS ARE…
Despite chairman John Yorkston refusing to even consider candidates for the Pars Manager’s job in the middle of this ever-so-crucial relegation battle, the candidates continue to appear thick and fast. Here we take a look at the favourites for the role of Pars gaffer and assess their credentials…
NEALE COOPER (41) – After a successful career at the Pars in the mid 90s Cooper remains one of the hot favourites to get the job in the summer. Currently available after leaving English League One side Hartlepool under mysterious circumstances, Neale was also candidate for the Pars job last summer after the departure of Jimmy Calderwood last summer. After doing well for a long period of time as manager of Ross County, Cooper took over Hartlepool when the side had just been promoted from the, then, English Third Division, elevating the side to promotion-challenger status almost immediately. A great favourite with the bulk of the Hartlepool supporters, despite his acrimonious departure, Cooper’s appointment as Pars manager would certainly not be frowned upon by many Pars fans.
COLIN HENDRY (39) – Undoubtedly the outsider for the job ex-Scotland captain Colin Hendry could well interest the Pars board. Despite his inexperience at management level, his fairly successful reign at Blackpool could well influence the Pars directors to go down the ‘Tony Mowbray route’ and appoint a youthful, enthusiastic manager. Determined and influential as a tough tackling centre-half and captain during his distinguished playing career, Hendry would no doubt demand nothing less than 110% from his players, a trait with which most Pars would certainly warm to. Forever a legend in the Scottish game after his ‘Braveheart-like’ displays as Scotland manager the appointment of the youthful Hendry could also appeal to certain Pars fans. A definite outsider for the job but certainly not worth writing off.
IAN McCALL (40) – A former Pars favourite ‘Diego’ will undoubtedly be in the running for the Pars hot seat come decision time. Despite managing both Falkirk and Airdrie – not exactly favoured clubs around these parts – McCall continues to remain fairly popular amongst a majority of Pars fans. Very charismatic – some would say arrogant – and animated, McCall would indicate a complete contrast to previous incumbent Davie Hay. A big fan of passing football McCall’s appointment at East End Park could certainly reap big rewards due to the calibre of passing players currently on the books these days – Mason, Makel, Darren Young etc. Despite enduring a poor second season at the helm of Dundee Utd (leading to his sacking) McCall’s achievements at Airdrie, Falkirk and, to a certain extent, his first season at Tannadice deserve credit. Working wonders at Falkirk and Airdrie with little more than pennies to spend, yet failing at Dundee Utd with a generous cheque book, could prove beneficial considering the Pars current financial plight.
JIM LEISHMAN (51) – What more can you say! A legend. The Messiah. A miracle worker. Short from turning water into wine Saturday’s achievements at home to Dundee could not have been more miraculous. With passion and commitment installed in the players in abundance when the situation required it most, Jim’s appointment as Pars manager would seem to many to be the perfect, and most sensible, option lying before the Pars. The vast majority of Pars fans certainly would not agree with the decision. But the question remains; would Leish actually want the job full-time? Taking into account the fact that most reports seem to suggest that Jim will move back to his Director of Football role at the end of the season and considering the fact that he did not apply for the job when it was available last summer, it would seem unlikely that Jim will be in the hot seat come next season. And what would happen if the team were to take another dip in form next season? Leish would surely be criticised and his image tarnished. A legend such as Leish simply does not deserve that. But who knows. If we win our next two games 5-0 Leish would HAVE to be handed the role!
JOHN ROBERTSON (40) – Unfairly booted out by Hearts’ new Eastern European regime after only six months ‘Robbo’ is another who would cost next to nothing to install as Pars gaffer. Another young manager who has performed well – firstly at Caley Thistle and then, despite the views of a few Lithuanians, at Hearts with little resources – Robbo is, by all accounts, the favourite to succeed the hapless Davie Hay as Pars manager. Yet another charismatic, animated personality it wouldn’t be hard to imagine Pars fans taking to the ex-Scotland striker. An advocate of the passing game Robbo would be given a much-needed head start in his plans to mold his own style of play at the Pars as opposed to the job of turning long-ball bullies into a team of eloquent passing footballers at Tynecastle. Working under the stewardship of Leish at Livingston should also come in handy for Robbo.
