Dowie pledge

IAIN DOWIE would be happy to discuss a Latics return with club chairman Simon Corney

IAIN Dowie has declared himself open to a return to Athletic - but has yet to speak to chairman Simon Corney about the manager’s job.

Speaking exclusively to the Chronicle, the man many fans want to see installed again declared he would jump at the chance to swap television for another stint as manager - as long as he felt the conditions were right for another shot at the play-offs

Dowie remains in touch with Athletic academy boss Tony Philliskirk, while current manager Dean Holden played under him in the side that reached the play-offs 12 years ago.

Though that experience turned sour as the Chris Moore era unravelled, Dowie says he retains a deep affection for Athletic.

He also accepts that if Athletic are to make their move it will need to happen soon: “I feel a great affinity to the club,” Dowie told the Chronicle. “Would I go back? Yes. If it was right then I would come back – absolutely. What I would want is the chance to be competitive in the division. I am very aware of the youth set-up at the club and the training ground is a very important regime for me. I believe that is where you can create players.”

Dowie (50) is eager to get back into management after a five-year hiatus following a short spell as a football management consultant at Hull - which ended in relegation.

Currently working for Sky Sports, the former Northern Ireland international striker’s sole season in charge of Athletic was followed by managerial spells at Crystal Palace, Charlton, Coventry and Queens Park Rangers.

“My relationship with Simon is an open and honest one,” Dowie added. “He has a lot on his mind, I am sure. He will do what he feels is right and whatever decision he makes I would wish the club the best of luck for the future.”

One other name to have emerged as a possible contender is the man who scored the most

momentous goal in Athletic’s history, Neil Redfearn.

The Leeds United head coach (49) has a deal which runs out after this weekend, and though talks are planned with controversial owner Massimo Cellino, he could leave Elland Road.

The former academy boss, who guided the team away from trouble in the Championship after

taking over in November, was undermined when his assistant Steve Thompson was suspended by the club last month.

Rotherham and Chesterfield have been mooted as possible destinations for Redfearn, with a national newspaper report also detailing Athletic’s interest.



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