Derby eyeing 'boss' speed

GARY Speed, Sheffield United's veteran midfielder, has emerged as a possible candidate for the managerial vacancy at Derby County.
The Pride Park club, who parted company with Paul Jewell recently, are understood to have included the 39-year-old on a list of names set to be discussed by their board of directors later this week.

Sources in the Midlands suggest that United's Championship rivals, despite languishing in the lower reaches of the table, would prefer to appoint a young coach with fresh ideas to take charge of a team which has under-performed since being relegated from the top flight.

United would be loath to lose an important member of Kevin Blackwell's squad.

Indeed Blackwell, speaking before their postponed FA Cup third round tie at Leyton Orient, expressed his delight that Speed could return to action sooner than expected after a back operation.

Blackwell said: "At the moment we're looking at two-and-a-half to three months.

"If we can get Gary back in action before the end of the campaign then that's great news for me because he's a big part of my plans."

But with Speed making no secret of his desire to forge a career in the dug-out United – who have agreed to offer him a position on their own staff at the end of the season – could find it difficult to stand in his way if Derby decide to step up their interest, although Nigel Clough is believed to be their number one target.

Speed, who won 85 caps for Wales before retiring from international duty is becoming one of the most sought-after talents in the game.

Three weeks ago Swindon Town wanted him to take charge at the County Ground before turning to Danny Wilson instead when United demanded a severance fee.

Meanwhile, Blackwell has expressed his disappointment at the timing of the decision to call off Saturday's match at Brisbane Road.

Referee Iain Williamson deemed the surface unplayable one-and-a-half hours before kick-off and although Blackwell backed his stance, the United manager admitted he would have preferred the game – which has been rescheduled for Tuesday 13 January – to have been called off earlier.

His sense of frustration increased when Swansea City confirmed they have captured former United loanee Nathan Dyer on loan until January.

Blackwell had refused to rule out the possibility of re-signing Dyer when he returned to Southampton on Thursday.



Source: thestar.co.uk