Clarkson remains in Carlton’s thoughts

CARLTON figures remain hopeful of convincing Alastair Clarkson to fill the club’s vacant coaching position.

The Blues are continuing to court the four-time premiership coach, despite his declaration last Wednesday that he needed a year out of the game.

It follows revelations Carlton is also circling highly respected Geelong chief executive Brian Cook in what could be a dream team combination at Princes Park.

There is a view that the hiring of Cook would be a major inducement for Clarkson (inset).

If Clarkson cannot be secured, former North Melbourne coach Brad Scott looms as another key target.

Ex-St Kilda and Fremantle coach Ross Lyon bowed out of the Carlton race on Thursday less than 24 hours after president Luke Sayers announced a six-person coaching selection panel.

While considered in some quarters a certainty to coach Carlton in 2022 a week ago, Lyon had divided senior club figures on whether he was the right man to replace David Teague.

Club insiders say the Blues went cold on Lyon, who had already told Sayers in a 45-minute phone call last week he was keen on the job.

The coaching subcommittee was formed to put all prospective candidates through a lengthy examination