Southend United are today expected to announce their new manager - with Stan Collymore and Oxford boss Ian Atkins rumoured to be the two main contenders.
Both candidates are believed to have held talks with the Roots Hall hierarchy but, according to his agent, Collymore has yet to hear back from Shrimpers surpremo Ron Martin.
Two-up - Tes Bramble beats Rochdale keeper Neil Edwards for Southend's second goal in a 4-0 victory over Rochdale Picture: ROB BROWNE
"It looks like the chairman has decided to appoint someone else and that's his prerogative," he said.
"We've been waiting a while and I would be surprised if Stan got the job now. Although we're still hanging on to hear what's going to happen -- just like everyone else."
Atkins, who was unavailable for comment, could be swapping a side currently top of the table for one struggling towards the bottom.
But, according to caretaker chief Steve Tilson, who led the Shrimpers to a fine 4-0 win over Rochdale on Saturday, the Blues could also soon start to work their way up the league.
"There's some good players here and we saw that against Rochdale," he said.
"We were by far the better side and, if we'd won 7-0, I don't think they could've had any complaints. Their keeper made three or four good saves and we were comfortable winners."
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Published Monday November 24, 2003
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