'The manager I have in mind will be tricky to bring in'

Last updated : 14 December 2010 By Bladesmadeditor

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Birch reacted to the departure of manager Gary Speed and updated fans on how the search for a new manager is being undertaken. Speed's untimely exit has paved the way for United's THIRD manager of the season, and this time the search won't be rushed, according to the CEO.

The Blades have received plenty of applications for the vacant managerial job at Bramall Lane, as was confirmed by Trevor Birch. Rumoured applicants include Phil Brown, Paul Hart and Chris Hughton.

Birch did suggest today that it would be probable that the Blades will plump for a manager with previous experience in the Championship, rather than a manager in the lower leagues.

That virtually puts to bed rumours linking Burton Albion manager Paul Peschisolido, Port Vale manager Micky Adams and Oxford United manager Chris Wilder (Adams a Blades fan and Peschisolido and Wilder former Blades players of course) with the job.

3282809Birch wouldn't confirm nor deny reports linking managers with the vacancy, but did say this: "I have someone in mind but it's probably a tricky person to bring in."

He continued: "Although I think it's doubtful that we would go for a first-time manager or someone without experience of managing in the Championship, it would be wrong to rule anyone out at this stage.

"If we take away all issues of finance, experience and availability, it is getting the right man that really counts. We would naturally prefer a quick appointment so that the new man can make a start on the job, but we won't rush into a knee-jerk appointment just for the sake of it. If we have to wait a while, so be it.

"We are looking for someone who is filled with the passion to do the job and, judging by the level of applications and expressions of interest we have already had, it is apparent that this is a sought-after post.

"There isn't much money in football at the moment and we have recently reported losses but overall we are in good shape - this will be a great job at a great club which is why so many applicants have contacted us already.

"Yes, it will be a tricky decision, balancing the short and long term needs, and the ideal candidate will need to be in tune with out strategies regarding recruitment and Academy development, but we are determined to make the right decision.

"Although, personally, I have a favoured candidate, I am due to discuss the applications with the Chairman tonight so that we can shorten the list and start to make contact with the names on it."

John Carver and Sam Ellis have been put in temporary charge at S2, with injured captain Chris Morgan also playing a role behind the scenes.

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