ALDERSHOT manager Dean Holdsworth has turned down the chance to manage Crawley Town as the Reds start searching for a third manager in as many months in the wake of Sean O’Driscoll’s departure.
O’Driscoll left Crawley on Thursday after just two months and three friendly games in charge, to become first XI manager at Nottingham Forest, where he worked as a coach before joining the Reds in May.
Coach Craig Brewster, who has already ruled himself out of contention for the job, and director of football Steve Coppell took charge for Saturday’s pre-season win game against Peterborough.
Holdsworth was made the bookies’ favourite within 24 hours of O’Driscoll’s departure. But on Monday it appeared the former Wimbledon striker and Newport County boss had turned down the opportunity to manage Crawley after the Reds were thought to have been in contact.
Aldershot chairman Kris Machala said: “Dean is highly regarded within the game and could have taken the opportunity to move. He received an overwhelming offer that would have been beneficial to him both on a personal and professional basis.
“I am delighted that Dean has chosen to remain as manager of Aldershot Town Football Club and I have to place on record my sincere appreciation to an individual who has proved his loyalty and integrity.”
Meanwhile, Wycombe Wanderers boss Gary Waddock, whose side were relegated back to League 2 a season after being promoted, has now been made favourite, which has prompted The Chairboys to declare they wanted to keep hold of their man.
A Wycombe statement read: “We have had no approach from Crawley Town. Pre-season preparations are well underway and everyone associated with the club is looking forward to an exciting season with Gary at the helm.”
Other names in the frame include former England defender Gareth Southgate, who quit his role as the Football Association’s head of elite development within hours of O’Driscoll’s departure, and Sheffield United academy manager John Pemberton.
Southgate, was brought up in Crawley, attended Hazelwick School and played for Crawley Traders as a youngster. He is to remain as a pundit on ITV’s football coverage for the coming season.