 | Same pose but new scarf soon? |
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Envious eyes are always attracted to a degree of success. Ian McCall's move from Airdrieonians to Falkirk has been considered by many as just a stepping stone to an SPL club. McCall was added to the list of usual suspects whenever a vacancy appeared in the ranks of the employed managers. With Alex Smith being relieved of his duties at Tannadice, the first name mentioned as a replacement was McCall. he does fit the criteria set out by new Dundee United owner Eddie Thompson. He wants someone with drive and vigor to take the club up the league. It must therefore be galling for Thompson that Falkirk have turned down Dundee United's request to talk to McCall.
It is not much of a surprise move by Falkirk. After all McCall, the former Clydebank, Morton and Airdrie boss, has taken the club to the top of Division One. The record shows 7 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. No wonder Falkirk chairman Campbell Christie released a 'hands-off' statement which said: "We were approached by Dundee United this afternoon and I have spoken to their chairman. I have made our position clear. Ian McCall has committed himself to Falkirk FC for two years and we want him to remain with the club".
There are still plenty of contenders for the job but as Thompson has been pretty specific in what he is looking for, many will be disappointed. Thompson wants to appoint a younger man and has said that he has drawn up a shortlist of possible candidates. The new Tannadice boss teased the media by saying that Smith's replacement is currently employed. Thompson said: "I am looking for a younger person who will bring some fight, vigor and excitement to Tannadice Park and some more fans on the terraces for us. The person I want would be a bad loser just like me and who would get the best out of the younger and older players. I want fresh enthusiasm in the place. I am going to do it off the park and I want someone to do it on." The grocery millionaire went on: "I have got a shortlist in my head and I have got to go through the proper channels. I will go to the individual clubs' chairmen and the people will be people employed in Scottish football. I hope it will be done in days rather weeks. We will consider everyone and make a decision in the course of the week."
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