By Albatross
June 11 2003

More clubs seem to be in disarray in Div2, with Oldham the latest to be in trouble. Meanwhile, the Hartlepool Mail has mentioned another couple of names for the United Hotseat - Eddie Gray being possibly the more interested and interesting candidate.... The Hartlepool Mail has mentioned Gray as a possible candidate for the Pools hotseat following his departure from Leeds, as Peter Reid brings in his own people. As experienced a coach as they come, he's been heavily involved with the "production line" at Leeds that has seen the likes of Paul Robinson, Harry Kewell, Alan Smith and James Milner surging through the ranks. However, his record as the man in charge is not great; spells as boss at Leeds, Rochdale, and Hull - finishing 14 years ago - were less than impressive.

Would Eddie be a steady choice? Well, he's got contacts galore, a high reputation and proven coaching ability - we could do much worse.

The Mail is also floating the name of John Aldridge as a candidate. He hasn't worked as manager or coach since leaving Tranmere, but seems to be settled on Merseyside where his media career is burgeoning with roles as a match summariser on local radio and a regular column in the local sports paper. It's debatable whether Aldo would want to give all of that up in order to manage Pools.

The name that many are saying is now a racing certainty for the job though is Colin Todd. More than one person has been saying that he's already been offered the job, but as yet there is nothing emerging from the club.

Meanwhile, other teams in Division 2 look to be in trouble. Luton remain in disarray, with new Chief Executive-designate John Gurney suggesting that they can become one of the wealthiest clubs in the country by building an underground car park, and Mike Newell on the shortlist of 10 people fans can vote on for manager. Oldham manager Iain Dowie is concerned that he may not have much left in the way of players following the announcement by the club that their losses will no longer be covered by their main shareholder. And Barnsley too are in dire need of someone to invest money in the club.

Gurney though appears to take the biscuit. As well as the Car Park plan, he's suggesting that the club can make money by erecting a huge marquee on the pitch during the close season for use as a wedding venue; and ideas as wild as a new Grand Prix-standard racetrack, a 75,000 seater stadium, and a claim that Luton could potentially become one of the most influential clubs in Europe make a certain club owner not a million miles away seem relatively conventional in comparison. The comparison between our club and Luton - both looking for managers - could hardly be more heavily weighted in our favour.