Rumour Mill Over Active

By Neil Ravenscroft
October 12 2004

Chester City's ex manager Mark Wright, Wolves' Stuart Gray, Ex Arsenal boss George Graham, former Southampton and Villa star and ex Walsall manager Chris Nichol were all there on Saturday. Why?

Mark Wright, the former Chester manager, was there, as was David Platt. John Gregory's name has been mentioned all over the place, as has George Graham (surely not?), but no one saw them. In the meantime, the Express and Star has confirmed that Archie Knox was there and Chris Nichol certainly was. What is going on?

There's only one explanation I can think of that might explain the strange mixture of names being mentioned. It's a long shot, I know, but I think that there are two different things going on here. I think Jeff Bonser gave Merson an ultimatum last week to get rid of Iffy and get someone experienced in. He also told him that, if there wasn't an immediate improvement, he'd be gone as well. I think it's Jeff that has been looking at the unemployed manager's market, hence the interest from Mark Wright and the mentions for John Gregory. George Graham, I think, must be just wishful thinking, much as I'd love him and I'm just hoping Platt was scouting, which Gray was almost certainly there doing (with Julian Bennett and Matty Fryatt as the targets?)!.

In the meantime, Merson has been looking, not before time, for an experienced coach. The papers saw Nichol there and put two and two together. I wouldn't read too much into that, as there's nothing unusual in him being at the game. Archie Knox, however, is a name which fits Merson's comments about a "big" name and him being surprised at the approach.

Personally, Gregory (or Graham!) with Merson as Assistant or Merson with Knox as coach both appeal to me and could be the answer we are looking for. Time will tell!

In the meantime, in a surprise move, Joel Kitamirike is being given another chance for the reserves this afternoon, despite the club saying that they would not be pursuing their interest last week.