Blackpool’s silent manager search continued this morning with Karl Oyston determined to keep it out of the public eye. It’s two weeks since Lee Clark resigned as Pool boss following relegation to League One and as yet not a word has been uttered from anyone at Bloomfield Road about the search. Oyston spent the past week talking to a number of candidates, including favourite Ian Holloway who publically threw his name into the hat during a TV interview ten days ago. Youth team boss Richie Kyle has moved to odds-on favourite for the job with bookmaker BetVictor, although The Gazette understands he’s unlikely to be approached but could be involved in a future management team in some capacity. It’s believed Oyston is keenly monitoring the situation at Leeds United where Neil Redfearn has been replaced as manager by Uwe Rosler. The 49-year-old is still under contract at Elland Road but could leave in the next few days and it’s understood Oyston would be keen to speak to him. Redfearn managed Leeds for 33 games last season, winning eleven and drawing seven, but has recently been involved in a battle with the club following the suspension of Pool favourite Steve Thompson who was his number two. A move for Redfearn, with Thompson as his assistant, could be possible, although there are others showing interest. One who is being considered is West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald, who is looking for a move into management at the end of the current Premier League season. It’s expected the Tyneside coach will follow Sam Allardyce out of West Ham this summer and would be happy to talk to Oyston about a move. McDonald, 49, has spent the last four years at Upton Park after assisting former Pool boss Allardyce at Blackburn and Newcastle. As for Holloway, it’s understood the former Pool hero remains interested in a Bloomfield Road return but would require a major restructure by Oyston. Currently the bookies’ odds aren’t giving anything away but they are tipping a couple to join the race. Chelsea legend Dennis Wise 12/1, Stuart Pearce 12/1, Alan Irvine 16/1 and Southend boss Phil Brown 16/1 are all talked about. It’s been a frustrating spell for Blackpool’s supporters with chairman Oyston remaining silent and no information coming out of the club about the search at all. Oyston is determined to keep his dealings out of the press as part of his self-imposed ‘media black-out’. [Post edited 22 May 2015 13:57]
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