With Roddy Collins axed by the United board, a group of five have emerged as front-runners to replace him. Shaun Teale, Andy Kilner and Mike Pejic head the list of names with rumours of interest from ex-Hull boss Brian Little. None of them are likely to succeed if John Courtenay can resurrect his stalled deal to buy the club from Michael Knighton. He has vowed to reinstate Collins. However a successful takeover looks as far off as ever this weekend. It now seems potential buyers may be waiting to see if the club falls into the hands of receivers during the close season. Courtenay has initiated court proceedings against Knighton following comments read out by his solicitor Joseph Glass last week. He is hoping the hard line approach may force Knighton back to the negotiating table. Knighton claimed Courtenay hasn't proved he has the necessary funds to complete the takeover. Teale, who has twice applied for the job in the past, was confident he could lift the troubled club out of choppy waters if given the opportunity. The 38-year-old veteran was a player at Brunton Park in 2000 when he helped them survive relegation on goal difference under then manager Martin Wilkinson. "I am still looking to get into management and am interested in Carlisle," said Teale. "I am still at Southport and it looks like they are going to offer me another year. But I would put that to one side to get the chance to manage a club like Carlisle. Everyone up there knows what I am about and they know me as well as anyone." United rule out axe for defenders Reports that defenders Mark Winstanley and Dave Rogers are to be released have been scotched by the club. Radio Cumbria reported that Winstanley and Rogers were on their way out after Saturday's final match of the season at Mansfield Town. The news comes in a week when speculation has been rampant that United are likely to slash their squad in the wake of the collapsing ITV Digital deal, falling home gates, mounting debts and a likely summer boycott of season tickets. But United insiders moved to deny any such plans. "We are miffed by it. It is absolutely not true. We are not discussing contracts until the season has finished," said a spokesman. £6,000 worth of goods stolen from Knighton house A house owned by the Knighton family has been burgled with up to £6,000 worth of goods stolen. Football memorabilia, antique furniture and a number of old books were amongst the items taken. The house is next door to the United club shop on Warwick Road. Police say the break-in occurred between Thursday and Monday and are appealing for information. They have ruled out any connection with the current takeover talks and fans campaign to oust Michael Knighton as owner of the club. The football club said any remaining items had been moved out of the house since the incident. It is believed some of the memorabilia stolen had previously been stored in the Brunton Park boardroom. The Knighton family own a number of properties on Warwick Road and two years ago suffered another burglary at the former Eden School, now known as Rickerby House which they also owned. Thieves escaped with £10,000 worth of antiques. Picture from News & Star www.newsandstar.co.uk |
