5 MANAGERS WHO COULD TAKE OVER AT SALFORD

Featured Image Credit: Salford City FC

After the potentially harsh sacking of Richie Wellens, Salford City will be looking for their third manager of the season.

Here are five managers who could possibly take over at the Peninsula Stadium…

Gary Bowyer

Appointed until the end of the season, Gary Bowyer will bring a wealth of experience to the role as Salford City manager, having managed in all three EFL divisions. While currently working with Derby’s under 23 side, Bowyer’s last two managerial roles have been under some tough ownerships at both Blackpool and Bradford. His spell at Blackpool was much more successful, getting his side promoted via the play-offs. It is clear Salford want to get out of League Two, and Bowyer has proven he can do that, but his last spell being an unsuccessful one at Bradford may leave the Salford owners a little hesitant over a long term appointment.

Derek McInnes

Coming off a eight year spell at Aberdeen, it would be understandable if McInnes wanted some time off, but this one could have some potential for the start of next season. Salford have pulled off a lot of coups before and this one would be no different. McInnes time at Aberdeen was generally a success, making them the third best team in Scotland for many years behind the dominant Old Firm sides, and at one time second best, before Rangers return to the top-flight. This season hasn’t quite gone to plan for McInnes Aberdeen side, mainly with problems in the goal scoring department, but if he is available, it would be a no-brainer for Salford to try and get a hold of the Scotsman.

Warren Joyce

The current manager of the Salford City Development Squad, Warren Joyce has plenty of experience in football, especially with younger players, having spent eight years in charge of Manchester United’s reserves. It is worth mentioning the first two years were spent alongside current United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and the rest was Joyce solely in charge. Most recently, Joyce struggled at Wigan Athletic during the 16/17 season, winning only six out of 25 games, and his time at Melbourne Victory was average, with nothing remarkable happening. This option could work if Salford want to see out this season and make an appointment for next year, with Joyce already working at the club.

Kevin Phillips

The most inexperienced coach on this list, Phillips has made it known in the past that he would be interested in being a manager, especially when the Sunderland job was available following the departure of Jack Ross in 2019. A proven goal scorer in his playing days, Phillips would certainly help Salford’s lack of goalscoring, if he can pass his knowledge to the attacking players that the Ammies have to offer. He has worked as a coach previously, at the likes of Leicester City, Derby County and Stoke City, so he has learned his trade on a coaching level. It would be a risk for Salford to hire Phillips, but the more experienced appointments of Graham Alexander and Richie Wellens haven’t necessarily worked out, so the risk may be worth it.

Kenny Jackett

Another manager coming off a long stint at a club, Kenny Jackett has certainly gone through a fair amount of stress during his four-year spell at Portsmouth so he could be another to consider if Salford opt to wait until the end of the season. Despite not getting Portsmouth out of League One, Jackett enjoyed a 51.7 per cent win percentage which is very impressive. One thing he failed to achieve in those four years, however, was a promotion to the Championship, something which eventually saw him depart Pompey. While this season hasn’t been the best for Jackett, he is a proven solid manager at League One level, and that’s where Salford want to be, so he might be worth the wait.