Back to square one

STEVE EVANS

ATHLETIC are back on the trail of a new manager, after Steve Evans turned down the chance to take on the job despite agreeing personal terms.

A protracted chase for the 53-year-old had appeared to be approaching the formalities of completing the deal, only for what Athletic have described as "other offers in the pipeline" to scupper the deal.

Evans would have been regarded as quite a coup for Athletic. He left Leeds after steadying the ship at Elland Road during a turbulent season last time out and has enjoyed success in League One at Rotherham where he guided an attack-minded side into the Championship through the play-offs.

But though Evans had even started contacting potential signings for Athletic, discussions broke down yesterday afternoon to leave the club still without a man in charge.

Club officials remain keen to make a swift appointment of a successor to John Sheridan and will now be forced to quickly re-evaluate the available options.

Frank Bunn could well come back into the equation, along with the likes of Neil Redfearn and Neil Adams, or else Athletic could seek to approach a manager of more first-team experience who is currently without a job.

EXTENSIVE

What is clear is that Evans' rejection of the chance to take on Athletic, with a hard-won agreement in place following extensive talks, is a heavy blow to absorb.

With the fixtures for the new season released this morning ­- see other Back Page story ­- time is of the essence for a new boss to come in and quickly put together a squad capable of competing at League One level.

A statement issued by Athletic yesterday read: "The club can confirm that after conducting extensive negotiations with Steve Evans and agreeing terms, he has decided not to become the new manager of Oldham Athletic.

"Mr Evans feels unable to commit to the opportunity as he has other offers in the pipeline and this did not meet with Oldham Athletic's deadline.

"We will now focus on our alternative candidates for the role with an announcement as soon as practically possible."

Meanwhile, former Athletic goalkeeper David Cornell has signed for League One new boys Northampton Town.

The 25-year-old joined Athletic from Swansea last summer and played a total of 17 times for the club, becoming number one under the charge of David Dunn.

Cornell has signed a two-year deal with the Cobblers, who finished last season as champions of League Two.