Meet the new boss same as the old boss)
OWNER SCHOLES TAKES OVER AS MANAGER
PAUL SCHOLES is back in management after Salford City’s Class of 92 owners axed Graham Alexander.
Despite Salford sitting fifth in League Two, Alexander was dismissed after two-and-a-half years in charge.
Ex- Manchester United hero Scholes, co-owner of Salford with former team-mates Gary and Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham and Nicky Butt, was involved in the decision to sack Alexander yesterday.
Scholes, 45, has been put in temporary charge of Salford – until a permanent successor to Alexander is found – and will take charge of the team for Saturday’s day s trip to Port Vale.
He will take his first training ning session today, which will l be captured on camera by the documentary crew filming g the latest series of ‘ Out Of Their heir League’ – a behind-the-scenes enes look at the goings-on at the club.
It’s understood Scholes had ad to be persuaded by Gary Neville le to step into the manager’s role on a caretaker basis while the Class ass of 92 begin the process of appointing aps. a new full-time boss.
Scholes has not been in the dugout since his ill-fated short ort spell in charge of Oldham m Athletic in March 2019, which h lasted just 31 days. The former - England star was in charge at Boundary Park for just seven games, winning once and losing three, before resigning due to disagreements with the owner.
Alexander, 49, had guided Salford to promotion from the National League in 2018-19 but with promotion to League One this season their aim, the decision was taken to part ways with him.
It is understood Salford’s disappointing run of results in 2020, as well as the style of football played under Alexander, did not meet expectations, particularly with the club boasting the highest playing budget in the division.
Salford announced the managerial change in a statement which read: “Salford City Football Club announces manager Graham
Alexander has left the club with immediate effect. The club would like to thank Graham for his contribution and all his hard work.
“In his first season he guided the team to Wembley, resulting in promotion to League Two and in his second season he reached the Leasing.com Trophy final.
“Paul Scholes will act as the interim head coach while the club looks to secure a new manager. Warren Joyce, in isolation, will join Paul once he is able to.”
Former United skipper Roy Keane has emerged as one of the early favourites to take the Salford job. Keane, 49, was pictured at Salford’s Peninsula Stadium on Saturday, sat alongside Gary Neville and Scholes, as Salford drew 2-2 with Tranmere Rovers. Joyce, boss of Salford’s development squad, is believed to be a front runner for the role while former Wigan boss Paul Cook is also among the contenders.
Keane, who had spells in charge of Sunderland and Ipswich, is keen to return to management after working as assistant to former Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill from 201318. He also had spells as an assistant boss at Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.