Atkins, who like previous full-time boss Steve Wignall had a spell with Colchester United, where he guided the U’s to the Conference title, has told the Oxford Mail that a move to southeast Essex is news to him. With Stan Collymore’s so-called last-minute hitch on Tuesday evening, Blues chiefs have been searching for alternative candidates for the position, with has been totally vacated after caretaker gaffer David Webb completely ruled himself out after last night’s 3-2 F.A. Cup first round win over Canvey Island.
Webb, in his fourth spell at the Shrimpers helm, declared to the club’s official website, www.southendunited.co.uk, “My manager’s cap has now come off and I will be heading back south to catch up with my other business interests”. The one-time Chelsea Cup goalscoring hero continued to explain, “It has been great being involved again but it needs someone who can give it 100% commitment which unfortunately at this point in time I cannot do”.
The successor to the post now appears not to be Atkins though. Speaking to the Oxford Mail, he said, “I was in London all day yesterday doing physical tests that all managers have to do, and so I definitely wasn’t talking to them”. The ex-Northampton Town and Chester City manager explained that although the Sun had linked his name to the job “it is news to me that I am about to be named their new manager – it’s the first I’ve heard about it and I think I would know if that were the case, don’t you?”
With Atkins out of the frame, and Collymore’s move hitting the buffers, other names continue to be linked with the position. Barnet boss Martin Allen, who played five matches on loan at United under the guidance of former West Ham United team-mate Alvin Martin, is one such name, whilst former Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill would be a popular choice. The news will be announced as soon as we have it here at The Little Gazette, with an announcement expected within then next 24 hours.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com