So much speculation after just a day

By Marcus Evans
May 25 2006

Since the departure of Keith Alexander, Imps' fans have come up with several names of who they'd like to replace him. The most popular choice for the fans is ex-player, John Ward. However, like most of the other candidates, his appointment is unlikely so just who has got a chance?

John Schofield : Probability - 8/10

John has been at the club for a long time now and has done great work with the young lads, including the development of first team regular, Lee Frecklington, as well as several fringe players. The advantages in having him become full time manager would be that the players already know him, it wouldn't cost the club a lot of extra money for the pay raise and we could see a lot of youngsters come into the squad. However, is this really a time to test a good coach as a manager? Does he even have the right qualifications?

Mick Harford : Probability - 7/10

Another former Imps player who still has a fondness for the club. He has already managed one or two sides and is still young so will have years of management ahead of him. He is also currently unattached so the appointment should be relatively easy if the board decide to offer him the job, however, like Schofield, this might not be the best time to test a relatively unproven manager.

Glen Cockerill : Probability - 7/10

Another former Imp's favourite who is currently doing an average job with Conference club Woking. The appointment wouldn't be too bad in all honesty as his wages shouldn't be too high and according to some Woking fans, if he had the right players to work with then he'd be managing a side capable of winning promotion.

Danny Wilson : Probability - 7/10

Former Premiership manager who guided Bristol City to the playoffs in the 2003/4 season. He has a goodish track record but recently steered MK Dons into trouble before being sacked. Wages might prove a problem though.

Colin Murphy : Probability - 6.5/10

Another popular candidate with the Imps' fans after guiding the Imps to the Conference title in '88, however, he is currently assistant manager at Hull and the compensation would be huge.

Steve Thompson : Probability - 6/10

A former Imps' player and manager who has tried to get heavily involved with the club in recent years and is currently a pundit on Radio Lincolnshire. However, he wouldn't be a popular choice with the Imps fans, especially after taking Cambridge into the Conference just over a year ago.

 Neil Cooper : Probability - 6/10

The former Hartlepool man is known for playing football in "the right way" and more often than not gets results. He lead Hartlepool to a playoff semi final before quitting just a week before they made the playoffs again. Loyalty is a big question though, he left Hartlepool using the excuse that he wanted to be closer to his family in Scotland, a few weeks later he was in charge of Gillingham which is closer to Holland than it is Scotland.

Keith Curle : Probability - 6/10

Keith took Mansfield to the playoffs a few years ago and appeared to be doing it again until he was sacked for behind the scenes incidences. He went to Chester and appeared to be doing the trick until tactics went out of the window. A young manager who will probably go far in the game and in all honesty, could be one of the best candidates for the job but would wages permit it?

Nigel Clough : Probability - 5/10

Son of "ol' big 'ed" seems to be another popular choice with the Imps' supporters and he has done some good work with Burton Albion, including holding Manchester United to a 0-0 draw in the 2005/6 season. It would be a good appointment for the Imps but the compensation we'd more than likely have to pay to Burton Albion would more than likely be quite large.

Graham Taylor : Probability - 3/10

Arguably the greatest manager in the club's history and he also still talks fondly of the club and if he did come to Sincil Bank, it would probably be the biggest cout in the club's history. However, whether the former Imps, Villa, Watford and England manager would want to return to Sincil Bank is doubtful.

John Ward : Probability - 3/10

A self confessed Lincoln fan and former Sincil Bank favourite is currently the boss at Cheltenham Town. He has transformed that club in much the same way that Keith Alexander transformed the Imps. Out of all the possible managers, he is the fans choice to take over at Sincil Bank, however the chances of Cheltenham letting him speak to us, especially if they win promotion on Sunday afternoon, are slim at best.

Gary Megson : Probability - 1/10

A name that has been touted around by Imps fans over the last day or two and like Harford, is unattached. It is highly unlikely however that he wouldn't be attracted to Sincil Bank and chances are that the budget wouldn't be able to meet his wages.

Kevin Keegan : Probability - 0.5/10

Keegan seems to have a deal of respect for the Imps and if appointed, would more than likely continue his impressive record outside the Premiership that has seen him lead 3 out of 3 clubs into the top flight. However, wages again would be a major problem and Keegan would more than likely not be attracted to the Sincil Bank hotseat.

Alan Buckley : Probability - 0/10

Simply put, no.

Carlton Palmer : Probability - 0/10 (we hope)

Carlton's already ruined 2 clubs, I beg the board not to even consider him.