Tranmere boss would be ‘massive hit’ if appointed Tangerines manager

Former Dundee United keeper Steve Banks insists Micky Mellon would be a “massive hit” if the Tangerines appoint him as Robbie Neilson’s successor.

Mellon is in the running to become the new United gaffer, with Tranmere Rovers giving the Championship title winners permission to speak to him about the role.

Mellon 48, is a former team-mate of Banks at Blackpool and the pair also joined forces at Prenton Park where the ex-United No1 was the goalkeeping coach on Merseyside.

Banks believes the Scot – one of a number of candidates spoken to by sporting director Tony Asghar – would be the perfect fit for his old club as they prepare for a return to the Premiership.

Banks, who’s back at Blackpool as goalie coach, said: “Micky and I go back a long way. We still speak every couple of weeks.

“If he gets the United job, I have no doubts he would be a massive hit. His impact would be there for all to see.

“As a player at Blackpool, he was one who gave his all. He was tenacious and honest as the day is long.

“When I worked with him at Tranmere for those six months, he was a real players’ manager. He praised them when things were going well but, at the same time, if he felt they could do better he wasn’t slow in telling them.

“Personally, I think he’d be an ideal appointment. They wouldn’t taking him back to Scotland.”

Banks reckons Mellon, born in Paisley, would jump at the opportunity to move back north of the border.

He added: “You can still hear his Scottish accent on the training ground – he certainly gets his message across!

“He has a good knowledge of the Scottish game and is very meticulous.

“Micky is someone who has a big effect on people he works with. I’ll keep in touch with him for the rest of my life.”

United’s managerial hunt is likely to stretch into next week after Asghar confirmed they are in no rush to make a decision.

The Tangerines chief suggested that there could be as many as 20 candidates interviewed for the vacancy by the time of an appointment.

That will make it over a fortnight since Robbie Neilson left for Hearts.

Others in the frame are Malky Mackay, Billy McKinlay, Jon Daly and Austin MacPhee, while Asghar claimed just days ago that former St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright had not been ruled out.

Asghar said: “We need to know who will fit this club.

“We have clear criteria about what we are looking for.

“Since (owner) Mark Ogren came in 18 months ago we have built a momentum and we want to keep that going.

“I have been a bit surprised at the sheer diversity of people who have applied.

“I have seen other clubs act very quickly in this situation. regret