Rudderless Magpies target Hippolyte?

CURRENT Yeading boss Johnson Hippolyte is thought to be at the top of the Magpies’ wishlist as they seek to replaced the sacked Carl Taylor.
The 43-year-old guided the Dings to FA Cup glory last season and was named Ryman League North manager of the season in 2004.
He has a good pedigree as a player and manager behind him and has been associated with numerous clubs over the years including Hampton, Aldershot Town, Dulwich Hamlet, Chesham United, Chertsey Town, Wealdstone, Chalfont St Peter, Uxbridge and Hounslow.
Currently Yeading are in 11th place in Nationwide Conference South.
Rumours abound about others potentially taking over the hot seat at York road, including former bosses Alan Devonshire, whose son Lee was seen at Tuesday’s match with Northwood, and John Dreyer, who is currently taking coaching at York Road.
These names are added to those already spit out by the rumour mill last week which include Ernie Howe, Kevin Stone, Tony Choules, George Talbot, Gordon Bartlett and Steve Hale.
Former Farnborough Town boss Dean Austin is also thought to be in the mix.
The club itself would not be drawn on specific personalities but, according to financial director Peter Griffin, there has not been a shortage of applicants.
Griffin said: “Adverts went into footballing publications last week and the deadline for applications is Monday, October 9.
“So far I am very encouraged by the quality and quantity of the candidates.
“We will draw up a shortlist after Monday and look to make a decision as soon as possible.
“However, I have to say that while we want to do this quickly we must make the right appointment. It’s very important. We don’t want to rush it.
“But so far I’m very pleased with the way it has gone so far.”
While the club goes through the process of appointing a new manager, the temporary incumbent Richie Goddard has overseen a mini-revival with back-to-back wins, as Griffin was quick to point out.
He said: “Richie is doing a good job and with a couple of wins it has lifted the spirits after a stressful time.
“John Dreyer is working with him and they seemed to have gelled well.
“With the FA Cup third qualifying round to look forward to on Saturday week, we’re getting quite excited. It’s been a while since we had a cup run.
“Two more wins and we’re in the first round proper.”
There was also encouraging news on the player front with, as yet, no player leaving the club after Taylor’s dismissal.
And according to Griffin, massive player movements are not expected.
He said: “So far no player has said he will leave and I don’t expect a mass exodus.
“But we have a large squad and some players are struggling to get into it, so the odd player leaving is always likely.
“But I have to say, it feels like we are moving forward, which in the circumstances is good.”
Caretaker manager Goddard also thinks the team may have turned a corner, although they needed a little luck on Saturday to overcome East Thurrock in the FA Cup.
Goddard said: “I thought we were a little lucky on Saturday, but it’s a cup tie so you never know what will happen.
“We played well on Tuesday and were very comfortable, especially in first half.
“What’s great is that there appears to be no adverse reaction from players, despite a stressful week
“It’s been a fraught week for me, especially leading up to games. I’ve not really enjoyed it. I’m certainly happier now we have played and won.”
Goddard is also content to remain in charge until the powers-that-be say otherwise.
He said “I’m happy to steady the ship for as long as the club wants me to.
“The atmosphere after both games was excellent in the changing room. We’ve not had that for a while.”
Concentrating on Saturday’s league clash away to Stamford, Goddard said: “I don’t know anything about them.
“All I know is if we play to our potential we can beat anyone in this league.”