Reid is clear favourite

His name was mentioned right from the start but until today he's never really been considered a favourite. Brian Laws has, so has Simon Grayson, even Micky Phelan, whilst Owen Coyle was thought to be very much in the running for the post, and there have been others.

Names such as Joe Royle and Peter Reid had been mentioned, but Brendan Flood's comments just after the departure of Cotterill led everyone to believe we wouldn't be considering them. When asked for the type of manager he was looking for Flood started by saying: "I think younger, definitely."

Just a few hours ago I was convinced that we would finally persuade Sheffield Wednesday to let us talk to Brian Laws. I thought he might just be our number one choice; I got the impression from his comments that he fancied the idea of returning to his first club. I believe Burnley have done all they can to get that opportunity to speak to him, but Wednesday have retained their position.

Then, just after lunch, I received news that it could be Reid and all of a sudden it took off. It was if the entire town knew about it, that Peter Reid was to be our new manager. There's been speculation as to who might be his number two. Former managers Adrian Heath and Stan Ternent have both been mentioned, as has Coyle.

I've no idea on any choice of number two, but following some discussions this evening I am now of the opinion that Peter Reid could be named the new Burnley manager very soon. I could well be well wide of the mark but nothing in the last few hours has suggested to me that I am.

If it is the case, it is a return to management for Reid for the first time since he left Coventry just a few weeks short of three years ago. Only recently he spoke on television about his desire to get back into management. That time could just be now, and with Burnley.