Source: Northern_Echo
Singh outlines plans
Darlington chairman Raj Singh last night outlined the qualities required in the clubs next manager, saying they must be young, ambitious and with a knowledge of the lower leagues.
He is currently reviewing applications for the vacant hot seat, some of which he labels as exciting, as he goes through the process of appointing a manager The Northern Echo Arena for the first time.
Singh requires a successor to Colin Todd, who was appointed in May before the owner took charge, after he departed Darlington last weekend with Quakers bottom of the League Two table and without a league win.
Caretaker boss Craig Liddle can expect to be in temporary charge for at least another fortnight as an appointment is not expected imminently, with Singh intending to draw up a shortlist at the beginning of next week.
Tomorrow Darlington are at home to Macclesfield Town, the club where current MK Dons boss Paul Ince began his management his career three years ago and Singh uses the ex- England midfielder as an example of the kind of boss he is looking for.
The search is going well.
Weve had quite a bit of interest and theres been two or three really interesting names, said Singh.
We need a young manager who is hungry, who hopefully knows the lower leagues and wants to prove himself.
Maybe thats what we didnt have in Colin. Thats what were looking for.
Paul Inces name has been mentioned as an example, someone like that would fit the bill.
Well draw up a shortlist and early next week well start speaking to people because you dont want it dragging on any longer than necessary.
Singhs requirements would seemingly rule out the likes of Brian Little, Kevan Smith and David Hodgson, three former Quakers who have been linked with the post.
However, it is understood hopes of attracting Gary Speed, assistant manager at Sheffield United, are diminishing.
Assisting Singh in his hunt is managing director Graham Fordy, who worked for many years at Middlesbrough.
Graham has been in football long enough and has made a living out of it. Ive just started, said Singh.
Were quite excited by three or four names.
Ideally I would have liked someone in by the Shrewsbury game in two weeks time but I dont think that will happen now. But it will be soon after that.
Fordy added: Its an important decision and the chairmans first decision so its important that we make the right decision. We could meet five people tomorrow and pick one, but wed rather see the ones who we think could do a good job and do a bit of homework on them.
But there are some interesting names.
Although Singh remains tight-lipped regarding his potential successors to Todd, he revealed that one candidate that has already made a favourable impression has played international football.
He also said that the name of one potential boss is yet to be mentioned within reports speculating on his options.
But Singh dismissed suggestions that he could have earned a reputation as trigger- happy chairman following Todds exit after nine league games.
The club explained he stepped down by mutual consent, and Singh said: The stadium is fantastic and hopefully word will get round in due course that theres a board in place that supports its manager.
I think everybody knows the reason behind the reason for Colin leaving. It was purely results. It was done very fairly, very amicably and Id like to think of Colin as a friend and he would be welcome back at the ground at any time.
I havent got a bad word to say about him and I hope he feels the same.
