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Wednesday, December 03, 2008, 09:16
FORMER Carlisle boss John Ward is emerging as a leading contender to become Crewe's next manager.
Speaking ahead of tonight's FA Cup trip to Carlisle (7.45pm), Crewe caretaker boss Dario Gradi has expressed his admiration for the 57-year-old Ward.
Sacked by Carlisle last month, the experienced former Bristol City and Cheltenham boss is understood to have applied for the Gresty Road vacancy.
His immediate availability would be hugely attractive to Crewe chairman John Bowler, who says news of an appointment has been delayed while the club's directors follow up all options.
Gradi expects to still be in charge for Saturday's six-pointer at Cheltenham, but said: "John took Carlisle into the play-offs last season, but managers are fired quicker than they were before.
"I've known John for a long time, since he was at Watford with Graham Taylor. I've always got on with him. He's a proper football man and he has done a good job wherever he has been."
On-loan centre-half Dennis Lawrence is cup-tied tonight, while striker Anthony Elding is not under consideration after missing training on Monday due to family illness.
Keeper Stuart Tomlinson is expected to shrug off a cold to keep his place.
Alex fans travelling north today should take heed of weather warnings, although Carlisle insist the tie will survive the freezing conditions.
Snow and sleet were forecast again today, but part of the Brunton Park pitch has been covered and the club are confident the game will go ahead.
The tie is behind schedule because Carlisle's initial first-round replay with non-league Grays was abandoned after floodlight failure.
Admission tonight has been slashed to £12 for seats and £10 standing.
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