United chairman John Courtenay has offered him the position and the only details left to be thrashed out now are of a financial nature. Simpson has taken charge of the Cumbrians' last five games as caretaker boss and has collected five points after the disastrous start of four straight defeats under sacked Roddy Collins. The fightback from 2-0 down to take a point at Southend with a 2-2 draw on Saturday convinced Courtenay and his Board of Directors that Simpson is the right man for the job. Last week the 37-year-old ex-Manchester City, Derby and Wolves player, who was brought up in the Morton area of the city, appointed John Ward as his assistant. Ward was previously manager of both Bristol Rovers and Bristol City, taking the latter to promotion in 1997-98. He also steered York into the Second Division in the early 90s. With Simpson and Ward set to be formally ushered in as the new "dream ticket" at Brunton Park, Courtenay and his Board hope a lot of uncertainty will be removed from around the club, who are still two points adrift at the foot of the table, despite the improved from under the new boss. Simpson hopes the move can be confirmed as soon as possible and said he had always wanted the job on a permanent basis. "John asked for a quick chat with me after Saturday's game to see if I would be interested and I said I definitely would be. We haven't sat down and spoken about it yet, but I'm sure they will speak to me soon. There are a lot of things to be discussed as things are still in very early stages. John approached me on Saturday, but that was the first I had heard," he said. "I have said from day one that I would be interested in the job and I don't anticipate any problems. It is in the best interests of everyone if a decision is made sooner rather than later," he added. Courtenay sang Simpson's praises following the battling draw at Roots Hall. "I feel Paul is the right man for the job and his choice of an experienced coach is a good one. I am looking forward to watching them take this club forward," he said. Picture from News & Star |
