Central Coast Mariners boss Graham Arnold yesterday rejected the opportunity to become the first non-British manager to take the reins at Bramall Lane, suggesting that United wished to play a ‘long ball’ game which was much desired to during the days of Dave Bassett, who along with others conducted the interviews.
He may have credentials as a former International Manager (even Terry Venables was Australia coach), but the A-League, which he currently managers in, is full of former players who wish to enjoy a peaceful (and considered better) life who wish to end their football careers in the tranquillity that is Australia – Emile Heskey, Nick Montgomery, Paul Ifill and Alessandro Del Piero to name but a short few who have jet-set into the sunlight for a bright future.
Sheffield United Chief Executive Julian Winter told sufc.co.uk: "Whilst Graham Arnold may have been responding to one or two challenging questions, I am flabbergasted and disappointed by Mr Arnold's remarks which are unprofessional, clearly misinformed and not the actual position of the club. Key information about how the club is structured and how it plans to operate has been clearly missed.
"We set out a clear manager profile to meet the future needs of the Club to 'act differently' in terms of player recruitment and continue the utilisation of home grown talent where the Club has been incredibly successful in recent years. The Club has reorganised to create a modern football department and has established a new player recruitment function through a Head of Football Operations, similar to Clubs like West Brom, Southampton, Cardiff and Watford who have all enjoyed an upturn in fortunes.
"We have also applied for Category Two status as an Academy with a clear football philosophy to take the Club forward," added Mr Winter.
Perhaps in the future, Mr. Arnold will have the opportunity to manage in Europe; Wigan Athletic is currently in search of a new a manger – I am sure his credentials are more than suited to the Latics.