Last updated 10:17, Saturday, 29 November 2008

THE idea that United's directors must speed into a managerial appointment in the coming days is a dubious one.

Yes, the Brunton Park board should have their man - Greg Abbott or AN Other - in place before the January transfer window, for obvious reasons.

If it isn't to be Abbott, however, the alternative candidate could be named on December 31 and still have no room for complaint that he hasn't been given enough time to assess the squad and search for replacements.

Carlisle parted company with John Ward on November 3, remember.

If that isn't long enough for a would-be manager to study the team's subsequent performances, and have a working list of recruits who could lift the fortunes of a League One team, he shouldn't be let through the door in the first place.