Within hours of Paul Lambert`s sensational switch to Norwich yesterday, the U`s said there had been some “top names” interested in becoming the club`s next manager, warning an appointment could take three weeks.
Vital Colchester brings you a verdicy on the candidates reportedly ready in the race to replace – Day One…
Teddy Sheringham:
Why Him? Teddy worked closely with Chairman, Robbie Cowling, when he signed for Colchester during his swansong in 2007 as the pair had connections going back to his time at West Ham. It is thought that Cowling personally helped supplement his salary at the U`s.
The Good? His CV. Teddy has previously said he wants to manager one day and made no secret of his desire to one-day become Tottenham boss. The former Manchester United and England striker has a pedigree that is second to none in the modern game and was arguably one of England`s greatest deep-lying forward players of his generation. Could inspire media interest and his time – would have contacts.
The Bad? Inexperienced. Sheringham has had early forays with Everton Woman`s and Beckenham Town in management, although it is unclear if he agreed to simply play for or coach the Kent non-leaguers in the F.A. Vase at the start of the season.
The Vital Verdict? Currently looks to be enjoying his role as an ITV pundit too much to follow his former international partner, Alan Shearer, out of the studio and into the dugout and besides, his overall spell at United was not a happy one as Colchester suffered their first relegation in nearly two decades during his stay.
Adrian Boothroyd:
Why Him? Was said to be at the Weston Homes Community Stadium during the league game with Gillingham, just hours after Paul Lambert had left. Was tipped for the Norwich City post before Lambert took that job and played fairly locally as a player for Peterborough United.
The Good? Has a track record from his time at Watford, where he won promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs at the first time of asking in 2006, later taking the club to the F.A. Cup semi-finals and another play-off finish after suffering top-flight-relegation.
The Bad? Suffers from his past reputation as something of a long-ball tactician, but got Watford playing like the irritating insects their Hornet-coloured kit says they should be. This style might displease fans who thing Colchester`s recent tradition under successive coaches has been to play attractive, ping-pong passing football on the ground rather than in the air.
The Vital Verdict? Interesting to see him linked with the post and is still experienced despite being very young – could be a top choice if he is prepared to work on a shoe-string budget.
Iain Dowie:
Why Him? No obvious reason unless he is one of those who contacted the club as soon as the vacancy came up – spent last season assisting Shearer at Newcastle.
The Good? Experienced manager at Premiership and Championship level, Dowie has had bitter experiences with sackings at Charlton and QPR since his success in getting an unfancied Crystal Palace side promoted to the Premier League in 2004.
The Bad? As a poor omen, Dowie began his management career succeeding unpopular former U`s manager, Mick Wadsworth at Oldham Athletic – the way he left Palace for Kevin Lisbie`s old club, Charlton, but then performed so badly is a source of embarrassment to both that club and probably the man himself. Invented the annoying phrase “bouncebackability” when describing one of his teams – but has he got what it takes?
Vital Verdict? Perhaps has too-bigger reputation for the Colchester role and I`ll stick my neck out and say I`d be disgusted if he is allowed anywhere near the job. Might want large contract terms.
Mark Kinsella:
Why Him? Loyally served Colchester in seven outstanding years as a player before hitting the big-time in 1997 with Charlton and going on to play for both Aston Villa and the Republic of Ireland. Always says he feels welcome back at the club – fans love him.
The Good? Constantly linked with a return, Kinsella has been going about his coaching work at Charlton amid complements from Charlton fans and was recently given a new contract. Has playing experience at all levels.
The Bad? Still not tried at a top-level management, so Kinsella`s possible appointment now would represent a huge gamble by Robbie Cowling.
Vital Verdict? Though he`d be a popular choice it seems unlikely that he would get much time to establish himself given the expectation of more wins after the season`s total success in the league so far. Would he want the challenge when he is currently so comfortable in a similar position of less responsibility alongside Phil Parkinson at the Valley?
Martin Allen:
Why Him? Geography as he is currently following in his father`s footsteps by managing Ashley Vincent`s former side, Cheltenham Town. Again experienced, Allen worked successfully as an assistant to Alan Pardew at Reading before enjoying play-off challenges with Barnet, Brentford and MK Dons before landing a plumb job which turned sour at Leicester City.
The Good? A touch manager, Allen is seen as an arch-motivator and has lived up to his nickname of being a Mad Dog in recent years. Also had a brief stint at England Under-21 level – still young.
The Bad? His play-off record speaks of near-misses rather than unremitting success but Allen could be tempted if an offer came along.
The Verdict? May be a good choice for Colchester if they want to endorse old-fashioned coaching values and employ someone to motivate the team, although the response at this week`s game seemed to show them as quite capable of doing that already.
Joe Dunne:
Why Him? Well, why not? After the initial success of Geraint Williams` internal appointment, Dunne could steady the ship having already won on Tuesday night. Served Colchester with distinction as a player before injury curtailed his career.
The Good? Not only is his name shorter than Lambert`s, so it fits into a fair few more traditional chants, but Dunne knows the team that has been left behind and is no stranger to picking up Colchester United`s pieces. Dunne maybe be able to emulate or improve upon some of Lambert`s previously successful tactics and has promised to reintroduce the reserves left to rot by the previous manager.
The Bad? He doesn`t appear to want the job, but then who can blame him? Managing Colchester could mean compromising his hero-worshiped status at the club.
The Verdict? Colchester`s directors may not be able to resist calls to appoint him full-time if things go well during his caretaker spell and perhaps he does deserve a chance at the helm.
So what do you think?
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