The seat vacated by Lou Macari could be filled by the popular Irishman who still harbours hopes of a return to the Brunton Park hotseat but has told likely purchaser John Courtenay that he can't wait around forever. Collins has already been reported as turning down a chance to manage Rochdale in order to wait for a possible takeover to materialise at Brunton Park. And he is also thought to be on the short-list at a club in Division Three, where he could also be interviewed next week. Collins admitted he had even applied for his old job at Carlisle, but there is no way he would be welcomed back with open arms by the Knighton regime with whom he fell out towards the end of last season. "I gave John a commitment I would hang in until June 22, but that date has come and gone," said Collins. "I am going to have a meeting with John and have a chat to see what's going on. I can't turn down jobs on the off-chance the takeover will finally go through. I've already got an interview with a Second Division team and an interview with a Division Three club soon. It's great that there is interest, but I would still love to come back to Carlisle because of the work I put in last season." Courtenay hopes to purchase the club from administrators BKR Haines Watts and fans' groups, including shareholders, held meetings with the Barnsley-based firm last weekend. They have agreed to look at their plans for a change of ownership which would help pay off debts believed to be hovering around the £1 million mark. Creditors are due to meet next month to decide which rescue package will give them the best chance of recovering their money. If Courtenay does succeed in buying United, it looks less likely now that Collins will be part of the package, but Courtenay is unlikely to be deterred by the possible loss of his friend. Insurance tycoon Brooks Mileson has agreed to join him in a consortium that would seek to put together a five-year plan that would aim to lift Carlisle into the First Division. Picture from News & Star |
