WANDERERS claim to have their man – but fans hankering for an end to a 12-week managerial saga might have to stay patient, for now.

Although senior sources at the Macron claim an agreement has now been reached with the candidate they want to replace Neil Lennon, there was still no sign of an official announcement yesterday.

The delay may be explained by unavailability, with the soon-to-be assistant manager said to be still away on holiday and yet to agree terms.

That may point towards a manager currently out of work, in particular Nigel Adkins or Steve Cotterill who have both been interviewed.

However, events took an intriguing twist yesterday when Bradford City issued a surprise statement regarding the future of their boss Phil Parkinson, who has emerged as one of the bookmakers’ favourites since the weekend.

Chorley-born Parkinson is closing in on his fifth year at Valley Parade but the stability of his job has been put in doubt since a German takeover last month.

Ken Anderson and Dean Holdsworth were known to be monitoring his situation but sources close to Bradford claim compensation of £200,000 would be due to the League One side for the remaining two years of Parkinson’s contract, which would almost certainly rule Wanderers out.

Nevertheless, chief operating officer James Mason fired a warning shot across Bolton’s bows by saying: “Bradford City can confirm there’s been no contact with the club from Bolton Wanderers about Phil.

“I’ve just spoken to Phil Parkinson who is on a well-earned break on holiday with his family and who is busy already preparing for next season with Bradford City.

“We don’t know where the rumours came from but can only suggest it’s that time of year when the names of successful managers crop up for vacancies.”

Holdsworth is known to favour a manager with experience at League One level, and one who has a sound knowledge of the club he is going into.

The co-owner also puts a high value on coaching badges, which explains why the interest in Parkinson – who holds his UEFA Pro Licence – is so pronounced.

Compensation proved an issue with earlier interest in Southend United’s Phil Brown, the ex-Whites assistant reportedly saddled with a £300,000 buy-out clause in his contract at Roots Hall.

But it did not seem the case with Alan Stubbs, who was on Wanderers’ shortlist before he moved to Rotherham United after the clubs agreed a compensation package worth £125,000.

Other out-of-work managers who have been ruled out by sources at the Macron include Steve Evans, Uwe Rosler and Brian McDermott.