Day 5: Still no manager.....

When Brian McDermott was sacked on that shocking Monday afternoon, many assumed that a replacement would have been lined up by Anton Zingarevich.

However, we have no approached the fifth day without a manager and even the local media haven't had anything concrete to latch onto. The Daily Mirror is reporting that director of football Nicky Hammond has narrowed down a shortlist to three candidates, which includes Gus Poyet, Roberto Di Matteo and former Southampton boss Nigel Adkins.

On paper, I quite like the sound of that shortlist, which interestingly does not contain Paolo Di Canio. Royals legend Phil Parkinson was also being touted for the role, as his contract runs out at the end of the season, but Hammond probably realises it is still too early for the 45-year old to take the reigns.

If I had to pick one name from that list, it would probably be Poyet. Di Matteo would obviously be the natural first choice, but would he be in it for the long-term? I doubt it. Poyet can completely revamp our playing style and compared to Brendan Rodgers four years ago, now has the resources to juggle about the squad in the summer.

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