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ENQUIRIES FLOODING IN - STEVE

Posted on: Sun 21 Mar 2010

Steve Lansdown admits he must be the "most popular person in football" at the moment as applicants get in touch about the vacant manager's role at Ashton Gate.

Gary Johnson left the club by mutual consent on Thursday, with his assistant Keith Millen being placed in caretaker charge for the foreseeable future - starting today against Newcastle United at Ashton Gate (5.20pm).

City chairman Steve admits the results in the coming games could well dictate the speed at which he looks to install a new manager at the club.

Speaking to Geoff Twentyman on BBC Radio Bristol - and on Bristol City Player - Steve revealed interest in the post has been immense.

He said: "I must be the most popular person in football at the moment.

"I've had lot of enquiries, mainly through agents on behalf of their clients. We're sorting those applicants into experienced managers, young up-and-coming people; those in employment and those out of work.

"We have to think about where we want to go from here. We'll get a list (of names) together that we may want and narrow that down.

"When the time is right we'll make the appropriate approaches if the person is already in contract, or if they're not in contract then we can speak directly with them.

"I'll be looking to see who can benefit this football club. The key is the right person wants to come here for right reasons.

"We have had contact from one or two that are in employment, not directly but through their representatives. We certainly wouldn't engage in contact with anyone who is in employment without speaking to their club first though because it's the correct way to go about things."

"I must be the most popular person in football at the moment." 
Steve Lansdown
Speaking about the finances surrounding the employment of a new boss, Steve said: "It's not about the individual manager, but it's all about how many members of staff he would want to bring in and what happens with existing staff.

"Those are all questions we have to look at and answers. That's where we need to think about the financials."

"Results will dictate how quickly we appoint [a new manager]. At the moment we are seven points off the relegation zone and we don't want to creep any closer towards it.

"We want to be safe and if things don't go to plan over the next few games then we may have to look at things again and try and rectify it.

"Everything's a calculated gamble. In my conversation with Gary Johnson on Wednesday we discussed the ways of clearing the negativity about the place.

"We agreed there were two ways to clear negativity; wins games - and we haven't look like stringing a run of victories together - or we could make a change. That's why the events took place this week and the reason we took the decision for the benefit of the club."

On aspirations for the new manager, Steve commented: "I expect the person to come in to work with us to get the club into the Premier League.

"We want to be a good Championship club looking to break into the top flight. It's no good saying we just want to be a Championship side and be happy with that because it's exactly what Gary was achieving. We need to take it to the next step."

Turning to this afternoon's clash with Newcastle, Steve said: "Keith's the man in charge and I'll go over and see how it's going but it will be strange (without Gary).

"I'm looking forward to getting this game over and done with, I'll be glad when today is over."

Finally Steve criticised the local newspaper coverage of Gary's departure. He said: "I'm disappointed with the Evening Post over the comments about losing the dressing room and that caper.

"It was uncalled for, unnecessary and a bit of a hatchet job really. I'm extremely disappointed.

"Overall I've been pleased with the reaction from the public at large, especially to our comments at the press conference.

"Everything was done with dignity and in the right manner. Now I'm looking for reaction on and off the pitch to move forwards again."

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