3:31pm Monday 19th February 2007
By Simon Parker
Colin Todd has warned City fans to forget their dream of cult hero Stuart McCall taking charge.
McCall is the overwhelming choice of the supporters to come back as manager.
But Todd, sacked eight days ago, reckons it is not going to happen.
"Supporters, and the media as well, have got to get real," he said. "You have all these names bandied about but you must look at the situation the club are in.
"Why would Stuart McCall want to leave Sheffield United? Somewhere along the line he wants to go into management but would the football club as it is now be right for him?
"He would want to go somewhere where there is money to spend on players. And he'll want to know if the squad is there to help him go in the right direction.
"I'm sure Julian Rhodes would love to make a big appointment like McCall but it's impossible, unless he goes down another route and puts even more money in - but he can't keep bankrolling everything.
"You look at Bradford and there is no stability. They might have a big stadium but, whatever people think, they are not a big club and have to earn the right to be where they want to be.
"You can't keep looking back and say Bradford were in the Premiership six years ago because that means nothing. Supporters have to realise the position the club are in now."
Stan Ternent, Andy Ritchie and Keith Alexander are names in the frame to replace Todd as well as crowd favourite Peter Beagrie. Frank Stapleton and former Leeds coach John Carver have also declared an interest.
Todd added: "Somebody currently out of work with a lesser profile would accept the job but I cannot see any so-called bigger names being interested. People like that want the finance available to restructure the club and that isn't going to happen."
Todd sorted out a severance deal with Rhodes on Friday and insists they parted on amicable terms.
"My time at the club was a challenge but an enjoyable one and I've liked working with a chairman who wants to take the club forward. He has got the club at heart and I wish him every success in the future.
"I'm disappointed but not angry at what's happened. I've been in management before and you learn to live with it.
"I was probably more relieved than anything because I knew it would be another tall order this summer to build again.
"There's never a good time to get the sack but maybe Julian felt a change of direction might be needed.
"I've said all along that they are good enough to stay up and my opinion hasn't changed. A lot of the remaining 13 games are against teams around them so it is in their own hands.
"Losing to Crewe was disappointing but it's not a time to panic. As the manager, you have to make sure that any tension does not get through to the players and you keep them positive."
Todd spent the weekend looking after his grandchildren and plans to take some time recharging the batteries. But he has not ruled out one more shot at management.
And he hopes any future employer will offer something he never had at the Intersonic Stadium - squad stability.
"I've had to wheel and deal all the time and the last two pre-seasons have been spent scratching my head looking for players. It would have been lovely to be in the position where you only needed to add one or two more to the squad. That wasn't the case.
"But I've got no problem with Julian whatsoever. He has had a huge burden on his shoulders taking the club through the dark days and should be applauded for that.
"But I just think there needs to be a reality check in terms of where the football club can go."
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk