Falkirk could have a stand-in manager with extensive experience available straight away of, as expected, Steven Pressley leaves to move to Coventry. Technical director Alex Smith has indicated that he would be happy to take over even if just on a short-term basis leading up to the semi-final of the William Hill Scottish Cup against Hibs on 13 April. It is expected that Smith and assistant manager Stevie Crawford will take team responsibilities for Saturday's game against First Division leaders Morton. Smith has won the Scottish Cup with St Mirren and Aberdeen and fancies a third shot at the trophy. He could even be persuaded to take Falkirk job on a full-time basis. But Smith conceded that Falkirk chairman Martin Ritchie may decide to place his faith in youth once more and hand the reigns to Crawford, who is nearly half his age.Smith said: "Steven has one or two things to tidy up with Coventry but I think he will be on his way. So I will be taking things with Stevie Crawford this weekend and we'll take it from there. I wanted to help the club and I expect we will go along on this basis until the end of the season. If the club were to ask me to take over on a permanent basis, that wouldn't be a problem for me. When you are a manager for a long time like I was, you do miss certain things when you give it up. Things like the big decisions. We have got a big game at Hampden and the rest of the league programme too, so there is a lot going on. But Stevie Crawford has also stayed on and being an ex-manager with East Fife himself, the club might decide to give him the opportunity."Falkirk granted Pressley permission to talk to Coventry City just days after he led the Bairns to the last four of the cup with a 2-1 win over Hamilton. Pressley looks increasingly likely to succeed Mark Robins, who left the Sky Blues to join Huddersfield Town three weeks ago. Smith believes his young apprentice has got what it takes to lead the fallen giants back up the English football ladder. He said: "I hope Steven is a success down there - he's got everything you need to be a success. If he gets the backing and the finances, he will be fine. He's a very promising manager."
Source: ScottishFitba
Source: FOOTYMAD
