Guaranteed investment and an ambitious plan to turn minnows into mammoths – here’s the latest odds on those in the frame to replace Graham Alexander at the Peninsula Stadium.
PAUL COOK (4/5 FAV)
The former Wigan Athletic boss would be a major coup for the owners at Salford City. He performed what would have been the great escape at Wigan Athletic last season, until a boardroom circus derailed their fine late-season form. He has won League Two titles at both Chesterfield and Portsmouth in recent years but may have his sights set on a higher standard after holding his own in the Championship. However, he is believed to be interested in the Salford project.
ROY KEANE (2/1)
A friend of the board and desires to return to the dugout after nine years away from a top job. Keane has experience of the level Salford aspire to as both a player and manager, but his divisive character and infamous training ground bust-ups may prove detrimental to his chances of landing the role. Appointing a legend of the game would certainly raise the profile of Salford and there is no doubting the Irishman’s ability as a coach. Mixing business with pleasure may be too much of a risk for the board to take at this point in the process, though.
WARREN JOYCE (4/1)
Already running the reserves at Salford and a widely respected coach across all levels of the game. He assisted Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with Manchester United’s Reserves before taking on unremarkable management roles at Royal Antwerp, Wigan Athletic and Melbourne City. He would be the obvious choice if bringing on Salford’s young squad is viewed as a top priority. Joyce hasn’t had great success as a number one and could see the Ammies as the perfect place to prove himself as a boss.
RICHIE WELLENS (8/1)
A Mancunian, a former Salford City player and currently managing Swindon Town in League One, Richie Wellens has impressed during his time at the County Ground, winning League Two on a points-per-game basis when the COVID-19 pandemic cut last season short. He has distanced himself from speculation linking him to the job in recent days, but a call from one of the Class of ’92 could convince him to drop a division and head up the project at his old club.
MICHAEL APPLETON (20/1)
Currently performing well in his role at Lincoln City in the division above, Appleton would be another bold appointment for the Ammies. He has great experience of coaching at many levels and would be a safe pair of hands should Salford decide to break the bank to go and get him. Appleton would be hard to prise away from Lincoln, though, as they have started the season brilliantly and are mounting a challenge for promotion to the Championship this term.
DANNY COWLEY (20/1)
There would be few Salford fans unhappy to see Danny Cowley take over at the Peninsula. His magical spell at Lincoln was followed by a short spell at Huddersfield in the Championship, saving them from relegation against the odds. He was sacked with the club feeling they needed a “different vision” going forward, but Cowley’s good stock as a manager remained in-tact. He, like Paul Cook, may not want to drop into League Two, but he has a penchant for good projects and tries to play attractive football – so manager and club could merge well.
SAM ALLARDYCE (25/1)
Perhaps most surprising name on the list, Big Sam needs no introduction. The former England manager is a Premier League stalwart and is unlikely to have any interest in returning to the game at any level – but nevertheless found himself as short as 4/1 when the club parted ways with Alexander last week. Who knows… maybe his good relationship with the board and an interesting project could be just the tonic for an astonishing return to the dugout?
Odds are provided by SkyBet and are correct as of 12pm on 18.10.2020
