Post by Jon on Jul 7, 2014 18:12:44 GMT
I hadn't remembered that Ian Atkins very nearly landed the TUFC job in 2001. How would things have turned out if he had? I remember hearing at the time that Dowie and Rosenior impressed at interview, but we went with McFarland's greater experience.
Western Morning News (Plymouth, England) - Saturday, July 7, 2001
FOOTBALL: 'Desirable he is in place on Monday' Bateson
TORQUAY United owner Mike Bateson has narrowed his choice for the next Gulls' first-team manager down to two contenders.
One of them is Carlisle United boss Ian Atkins, also a target for Sam Hammam's newly-promoted Second Division side Cardiff City.
Last night Bateson said: "It's down to two people and one of them has not be mentioned anywhere in the media."
While we play a guessing game, Bateson may have to play a waiting game as Atkins is also being touted as a possible managerial assistant to Dave Watson at Tranmere Rovers.
Bateson told the club's website: "I would very much like to bring in a man who will give us something positive to cheer about without taking us to bankruptcy.
"It is desirable, but not imperative, that the man is in place on Monday but if it takes another week to be sure, then that's what will happen."
The Gulls' owner also played down speculation that former Queens Park Rangers coach Iain Dowie is set to become the next incumbent of the Plainmoor hot seat.
Alex Watson continues to oversee team affairs at the club, where the playing staff return on Monday.
Watson said: "Most of the players have been working on a three-week pre-season programme and have been popping in and doing bits here and there. Just about everybody is fit n Chrissy Brandon, Brian Healy and Kevin Parker. I expect to see them in on Monday."
Western Morning News (Plymouth, England) - Saturday, July 7, 2001
FOOTBALL: 'Desirable he is in place on Monday' Bateson
TORQUAY United owner Mike Bateson has narrowed his choice for the next Gulls' first-team manager down to two contenders.
One of them is Carlisle United boss Ian Atkins, also a target for Sam Hammam's newly-promoted Second Division side Cardiff City.
Last night Bateson said: "It's down to two people and one of them has not be mentioned anywhere in the media."
While we play a guessing game, Bateson may have to play a waiting game as Atkins is also being touted as a possible managerial assistant to Dave Watson at Tranmere Rovers.
Bateson told the club's website: "I would very much like to bring in a man who will give us something positive to cheer about without taking us to bankruptcy.
"It is desirable, but not imperative, that the man is in place on Monday but if it takes another week to be sure, then that's what will happen."
The Gulls' owner also played down speculation that former Queens Park Rangers coach Iain Dowie is set to become the next incumbent of the Plainmoor hot seat.
Alex Watson continues to oversee team affairs at the club, where the playing staff return on Monday.
Watson said: "Most of the players have been working on a three-week pre-season programme and have been popping in and doing bits here and there. Just about everybody is fit n Chrissy Brandon, Brian Healy and Kevin Parker. I expect to see them in on Monday."
