SAM’S THE MAN – AND SO IS WALLY
TWO League One clubs are on the brink of fill- ing their managerial vacancies – with Sam Ricketts lined up by Shrewsbury and Wally Downes on his way to AFC Wimbledon. Former Wales international Ricketts only took his first manager’s job this summer at National League outfit Wrexham, but has already made a major impression. The Dragons have been top of the table this term and headed into the weekend in third place. That success has caught the attention of Football League clubs and made Ricketts a wanted man.
Success
The bookies had him down as favourite for the Shrewsbury job after they sacked former Macclesfield manager John Askey last month.
And it appears a switch to the Shrop- shire outfit, due to take on Scunthorpe in the FA Cup this afternoon, is moving close.
The 37-year-old former Swansea, Hull and Bolton defender was told to stay away from last night’s FA Cup second round tie between Wrexham and fellow Welsh outfit Newport County, which was being played as The FLP went to press.
In a statement, Wrexham said: “In view of the speculation surrounding the future of our first team manager Sam Ricketts, Wrexham AFC felt it is not appropriate for him to attend this evening’s game.
Speculation
“We will seek to clarify Sam’s future as Wrexham AFC manager as soon as is possible.”
Meanwhile, former Brentford boss Downes is expected to take the AFC Wimbledon hotseat vacated by Neal Ardley, now at Notts County, in the coming days.
The 57-year-old was one of the original members of the ‘Crazy Gang’ who helped Wimbledon climb through the leagues to the top flight in the 1980s.
Downes is a highly respected coach who has worked at Crystal Palace, Reading, Southampton and West Ham.
He has been working alongside Steve Coppell at Indian Super League side ATK, but now seems certain to be handed the chance to retain the struggling Dons’ third tier status.