Steven Fyfe asks who might be the next manager of Swindon Town? 

The old saying goes “be careful what you wish for” and that is the case for now for Swindon Town. Many Swindon fans, rightly frustrated, had been calling for Mark Coopers head and after another poor display they got their wish.

As many will know, I was very much in the Pro-Cooper camp. I never defended his record of late as it’s a results business. However I did agree that having so many injured players and such a turnaround of players throughout the summer would harm our chances.

Regardless of which side of the coin we are though, we are all waiting for Lee Power’s next move.

So who is our next manager going to be?

Of the realistic targets, former Town favourite Martin Ling was in attendance for last night’s defeat to Oldham. Also, as was Shaun Derry, the experienced campaigner who has cut his teeth in management in a stint with Notts County – where he discovered one Drissa Traore.

Power confirmed to the media last night he had narrowed the list down to “4 or 5” with interviews starting. Not expected to be one of the interviewees is Lee Peacock. Another former player and fan favourite had been on the mid-range of odds with Skybet and has been taking his coaching badges. In addition, he was also at the game Tuesday night but only as fan it is understood. The weight behind this link is his former multi-time team mate Christian Roberts who, has actively on twitter, put his name in the hat to assist Peacock should he get the job.

Aside from these there are you very long shots. Former striker Jan Aage Fjortoft was mentioned early doors, but the Norwegian confirmed via twitter he didn’t want to be a football manager. Another former player, Simon Ferry, however suggested he would take the job via his Twitter account. Paul Ince and Dave Hockaday have also been banded around the forums, while the initials PDC keep cropping up online as well. There has also been a small rumour of Kevin Nolan in a player manager role.

The usual names were in the mix too. The likes of former boss Danny Wilson; Ex Burton, Derby and Sheffield United boss Nigel Clough; former Rangers captain and manager Stuart McCall; and now Sky pundit Ian Holloway are all available. As well as former Reading and Leeds boss Brian McDermott and former Bristol City and Bournmouth manager Sean O’Driscoll.

For good measure I have also submitted an application, simply because – why not? With everything going on at the club I would not be shocked if Power did opt for a fan just to be different.

Of the names mentioned I would snap your hand off for Gus Poyet. Former Huddersfield boss Lee Clarke is a good shout as well. I personally wouldn’t have wanted Steve Evans despite his track record at this so, so thanks to Leeds United for taking him after sacking Uwe Rosler – himself a potential candidate again I would be happy with.

Speaking to BBC Wiltshire, Power confirmed we would not be going for a big name like Poyet suggesting “we are about £50k a week short of someone like that”. However, ever the optimist I read between the lines and recall him saying we wouldn’t be signing Nicky Ajose this summer…

All I do know is, whoever secures the job, has a lot of hard work ahead of them to appease our fan base. The successful candidate will also have to be satisfied with Power being heavily involved, to say the least…

What the new manager will have though is a highly talented squad, when fit.

Good luck to the successful candidate.

COYRs.