Following Peter Jackson’s dismissal two weeks ago, the Lincoln City board have an eight-man shortlist to take the helm at Sincil Bank. Whilst the board have not published the names, here’s a brief look at the rumoured contenders.
Simon Clark | Chances : 8/10
Clark, who was first-team coach under Peter Jackson, has been given the caretaker manager position. Young and hungry, Clark will definitely be given an interview for the top job. Clark spent a year managing in Singapore, and has the advantage of knowing the players. If the home victory against Darlington can be matched then he will have a great shot at becoming the next Lincoln City manager.
Steve Staunton | Chances : 3/10
Former Republic of Ireland boss Staunton has been strongly linked with the vacant position. He would definitely be a big name at Lincoln. However, the club’s board have said they are looking for a manager with good non-league knowledge, which Staunton does not to have.
Gary Brabin | Chances : 8/10
On the face of it Brabin fits the bill. Young, with non league experience, Brabin managed Cambridge United in the Blue Square Premier where he nearly guided them to promotion, only losing out in the play off final. Brabin left Cambridge following a falling out with the chairman, which will certainly help his case as Lincoln City are reluctant to hire an already employed manager as compensation would be due.
Mark Cooper | Chances : 5/10
Like Brabin, Cooper ticks all the boxes on paper. However he is still in charge of Blue Square Premier club Kettering Town. Last season he guided the Poppies to a controversial victory over the Imps in the first round of the FA Cup. However, the controversy surrounding the game may mean Kettering chairman Imran Ladak might not give Lincoln permission to speak with Cooper. Compensation if the Lincoln decide to appoint Cooper may also be a stumbling block.
Gareth Ainsworth | Chances: 4/10
A former player at Sincil Bank, Gareth is seen as a hero in many Lincoln fans’ eyes. The winger eventually went on to play in the Premiership and is currently on the coaching staff at Queens Park Rangers in the Championship. Ainsworth would certainly be a popular choice with the fans but his lack of experience could be his downfall.
John Carver | Chances: 6/10
Carver is a well respected coach who assisted the late Sir Bobby Robson during a stint at Newcastle United. Whilst Carver will have a wealth of contacts, his lack of experience actually managing a team could scupper his chances. Carver has taken charge of Newcastle United and Leeds United as a caretaker boss whilst also managing Toronto F.C in the MLS.
Ronnie Moore | Chances: 5/10
An experienced manager who knows how to get teams promoted, Moore did a great job at Rotherham, taking them up to the Championship. However, he is tipped to take over at Rotherham again since their manager Mark Robins left for Championship side Barnsley.
John Pemberton | Chances: 5/10
Pemberton is currently manager of the Nottingham Forest reserve side. Like Carver, Pemberton has never been a manager of an English football side which may hinder his attempts at landing the manager’s job at Sincil Bank.