Thetownend.com

Former Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has emerged as a shock contender to take over at Swindon Town.

The Robins board had made a decision last week about their chosen successor to Maurice Malpas, believed to be Newcastle United academy director Richard Money, only to be de-railed when on the verge of an announcement due to a disagreement over compensation.

This has allowed new candidates to enter the race for the vacant position and Chairman Andrew Fitton revealed discussions have already taken place with people not on the previous shortlist as he looks for a swift resolution to the on-running saga.

“A number of conversations took place at the weekend with potential applicants as well as advisors,” he said.

"We’re still quite focused on the shortlist we had but the landscape is changing all the time with people like Danny Wilson, Gary McAllister and Steve Staunton becoming available.

“Some people who have suddenly become available may directly influence our thinking and others may not.”

The Gazette understands that no approach has been made to or received by former Swindon player / coach Paul Ince.

The board have not discarded a second approach for Money but were frustrated to be thwarted at the last minute when they believed a deal was in place.

Southampton youth team coach Dave Hockaday, who made over 200 appearances for the club, was believed to be the second name on last week’s shortlist and is still under consideration for the position.

“It has always been urgent but nobody will thank me if I make the wrong decision,” said Fitton.

“It does feel as though you’ve got less time than before though.

“I’d like it to be resolved quite quickly but I can’t be held hostage to that statement.”

Meanwhile director Nick Watkins admitted the board were disappointed to miss out on their previous top target after the prior weeks of deliberations and negotiations.

“All of us would have loved someone to be here before the Yeovil game, especially given the eventual result,” said Watkins.

“One or two new names could come into the reckoning now because the world changes at a rapid rate.

“That’s not to say they definitely will but people like Danny Wilson and Steve Staunton are men of great character.

“It is now a matter of confidence. We’ve seen Sam Allardyce, Harry Redknapp and Joe Kinnear go into new clubs and have an immediate impact so why can’t that happen at Swindon Town as well.

“We’ll continue to pursue the right man and if Santa Claus can deliver someone before Christmas that would be great.”

i think he has a forum bitch who reads shit like this and thats why he can't make a decision on who the next man at the helm should be...lets get our fav local rag, the adver to do a poll and whoever wins the poll, gets the job...simple as no?

i think he has a forum bitch who reads shit like this and thats why he can't make a decision on who the next man at the helm should be...lets get our fav local rag, the adver to do a poll and whoever wins the poll, gets the job...simple as no?

I can't understand why Fitton would suddenly start talking names when he's kept so quiet for the past 5 weeks.

Stan was, unfortunately, dismal in charge of the Irish national team.  He was an immense player, but rabbit in the headlights job when it came to the serious stuff.  No thanks.

Incidentally, Staunton's predecessor, Brian Kerr who was a more moderate failure with Ireland, would tick many of AFs boxes.  Proper coach, unprecedented success in developing youth and can speak in actual sentences.  A more credible version of MM, if you will.