Blues set to announce new boss

The Wycombe board have offered the job to someone, believed to be Sanchez, and are just waiting for him to say 'yes' before going public today.

After being knocked back by Micky Adams and John Ward, Blues chairman Ivor Beeks believes he may finally have found Mr Right.

He said: "I'm very hopeful something will be done before the weekend. It's a delicate situation but I feel more positive than I have done for some time."

Wimbledon coach Sanchez is best known for his headed winner in Wimbledon's 1988 FA Cup final against Liverpool, but he is also earning a fine reputation as a coach.

He gained his early managerial experience in Ireland with Sligo Rovers before returning to the Dons and coaching their reserves to the Combination League title two years ago.

Sources in the game say the 39-year-old former Northern Ireland international, who began his career at Reading, has all the right ingredients to make a great manager.

He knows all about Wanderers from scouting missions at Adams Park to see Jermaine McSporran.

If all goes to plan the new manager will work alongside caretaker boss Terry Evans for tomorrow's home match against leaders Fulham.

The appointment could not be more urgent. Blues have lost all five of their matches in 1999 and their reserves were thrashed 9-0 at home by Fulham on Wednesday.

Evans is keeping his fingers crossed that the 28-day search for a new manager to replace sacked Neil Smillie ends today.

He said: "The club has been in limbo. But after speaking to the chairman I can see it being sooner rather than later."

The new boss could not have a tougher baptism though.

Wanderers are second from bottom in the second division, it is common knowledge that there is next to no money available for new players and their next two games are at home to leaders Fulham and away to second placed Preston.

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