Managerial Saga Continues

Last updated : 28 November 2003 By Robert Craven
Glenn Roeder has distanced himself from reports.
Oxford United Football Club almost instantly refused Blues permission to talk to Atkins after Martin released a statement detailing his intentions to pursue the former Carlisle United and Northampton Town manager in the aftermath of turning away Southend legend Stanley Collymore. U’s chairman Firoz Kassam has been quoted in the Oxford Mail as saying, “Ian’s doing a great job. The table doesn’t lie and we are top of the third division. There’s no chance of him going anywhere. He’s under contract with us until the end of the season”.


However, since Kassam has already tabled his intentions to sell the Thames Valley outfit, for as little as £1, Atkins may well still be looking for an escape clause, with his contract running out at the end of the current campaign. Most likely seems to be that he is using the Shrimpers’ approach to further his claims for an extended deal, but that would not ring true with his contant denial over any interest from southeast Essex.

One man who seems most unlikely to become involved at Roots Hall is ex-West Ham United gaffer Glenn Roeder. The former Watford boss has ruled out applying for the United vacancy, stating, “Contrary to reports I would like to make it clear that at no time have I expressed any interest in the managerial position at Southend. I have my own plans which are in a different direction and I wish Southend well for the future. I am targetting a certain type of club and I am prepared to be patient and wait until such an opportunity comes along”.


As the whole episode drifts into its third week, it seems increasingly likely that current caretaker staff Paul Brush and Steve Tilson will be in control of affairs this Saturday as Blues travel to Torquay United. We will update you on any developments as we hear them.


Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com