Ian McParland has been sacked as manager of Notts County.
After nearly two tumultuous years in charge at Meadow Lane the Scot had often remarked that nothing surprised him in football. However, his dismissal this morning was sadly all too predictable.
McParland has paid the price for the grand ambitions of owners Munto Finance and was relieved of his post after County’s disappointing 2-2 draw to Torquay United yesterday, with the club in fifth place in Coca-Cola League Two and only four points off the summit.
Rumours have swirled around Meadow Lane this weekend that Sven-Goran Eriksson, their director of football, was due to leave but instead McParland has been punished with his job following a difficult start to the campaign. Yesterday, Eriksson gave short shrift to reports that he has become frustrated with the uncertainty over the ownership at Meadow Lane. He was less decisive when questioned on reports from Sweden which claimed the former Manchester City manager could be approached to take over the national team after their disastrous World Cup qualifying campaign.
A statement issued by the club said: “Notts County Football Club this afternoon announced that they have parted company with manager Ian McParland.
“A further announcement will be made shortly.”
The Scot met with chairman Peter Trembling this morning and “parted company” at around midday. Speculation is already rife over his successor, with names ranging from realistic to fanciful.
Roberto Mancini, the former Inter Milan manager, was approached by Eriksson in the summer but is understood to have cooled his interest, despite alleged recent attempts to persuade him to change his mind. Steve McClaren, Iain Dowie and ex-Nottingham Forest manager David Platt have also been linked with the position since the summer, when Munto Finance completed their takeover. Peter Taylor, who left Wycombe Wanderers by mutual consent last week, is another name thought to be in the frame.
It remains to be seen who will take charge of the side for Saturday’s trip to Rotherham United, but Eriksson is highly unlikely to move to the dug-out from his role “upstairs”. He will, however, play a significant role in choosing McParland’s successor.
McParland, who played for County for eight years, had seemed uncomfortable with the publicity generated by the new consortium’s plans for the future and had confided with close friends that he was a dead man walking since Eriksson’s surprise arrival. His departure is the second high-profile exit at Meadow Lane in recent weeks, with Sol Campbell walking out of the club after just one appearance.
Original article: The Times
