Tue Oct 06, 2015 10:24 am
Linfield have finally allowed Wareen Feeney to speak to Newport County about assistant managers job.
But they have also offered Feeney a new extended contract.
Tue Oct 06, 2015 4:39 pm
Warren Feeney set to quit Linfield for County
Andrew Penman
06/10/15
FORMER Cardiff City striker Warren Feeney looks set to quit as Linfield manager and accept the role of assistant boss at Newport County AFC.
The Belfast Telegraph reports that the former Northern Ireland international has been given permission to open talks with County this week.
County declined to comment when contacted by the Argus but it looks increasingly likely that Feeney will link up with John Sheridan at Rodney Parade.
Sheridan, who replaced Terry Butcher as Exiles boss last Friday, previously managed Feeney at Plymouth Argyle.
The 34-year-old, who played for Cardiff between 2007 and 2010, also had a short spell on loan at Swansea City and his wife Katy and four children still live in South Wales.
It is believed Feeney will make a decision this week, but when pressed on the issue on Saturday he was remaining tight-lipped.
“I am committed to Linfield Football Club as manager, and that is all I have to say on the situation,” Feeney said
“I am concentrating on managing Linfield. I will be in this week managing my club.
“I am reading the papers, the same as you. Obviously the interest is flattering, but you can’t stop speculation.
“I see John (Sheridan) got the job, and he is a great guy. I worked with him at Plymouth.”
Linfield chiefs held a board meeting on Monday night but the Belfast Telegraph reports that, unless they can come up with a new bumper deal to entice Feeney to stay, they have lost his services and will now expect financial compensation from County.
Saturday's derby against Glentoran at Windsor Park is likely to be Feeney's last match in charge of the Blues, who are currently two points clear at the top of the Danske Bank Premiership.
Linfield chairman Jim Kerr, speaking after the board meeting, would only say: "We need to talk to Warren and take it from there."
Feeney was appointed Linfield boss in April 2014 and his current contract expires in June.
He can expect a pay rise to move to Newport but, with Sheridan currently only committed to County until the end of this season, talk of a two-year contract for Feeney is likely to be wide of the mark.