Revealed: Royals Made Dowie Approach

Last updated : 02 October 2003 By Rob Cooper
Thirty-eight-year-old Oldham Athletic boss Iain Dowie was approached by Reading about replacing departed boss Alan Pardew, it has been revealed.

Reading Football Club had reportedly drawn up a shortlist of seven candidates they were considering for the role. Oldham's Iain Dowie was reputedly on that list.

But the Oldham boss yesterday refused to deny having conversations with the Royals about the vacant managerial post.

"Until such time as there is a job offer, I'm not prepared to comment on matters like this."

The former Northern Ireland international has been at Boundary Park for just over a year and, on limited resources, nearly led his side to promotion last season. Indeed, Oldham currently lie in a respectable tenth place.

However, due to the Latics current financial difficulties the former West Ham centre-forward has been working without a contract so is therefore free to leave should any club come in with a tempting offer for his services.

Despite reports confirming that the Royals have approached the Boundary Park hero, Mr Madejski and the board unlikely to further their interest in Dowie. It is believed that the original shortlist of seven has been whittled down to two names: Brighton's Steve Coppell and former Tottenham man Glenn Hoddle.

A official announcement is expected tomorrow at the very latest.

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