THE identity of the man set to become Sheffield United's head of football remains a mystery, but Kevin McCabe, who as plc chairman is charged with the responsibility of making the crucial appointment, is certain of the qualities he will require.
With Graham Taylor apparently distancing himself from the position - the former England manager had been McCabe's number one choice to assume the role - John Barnwell, who vacated his position as chief executive of the League Managers' Association earlier this year, is now being touted as a contender.
Another ex-England chief, Steve McClaren, would also be interested in speaking to United about the vacancy despite being keen to explore coaching opportunities abroad.
McCabe will use a checklist detailing the tasks and duties the new member of staff will be expected to perform to assess their suitability before making an announcement before the start of the new season.
And, of course, they must also receive the blessing of manager Kevin Blackwell who was confirmed as Bryan Robson's permanent successor last weekend.
"We want someone who is bright, energetic and with the ability to spot a player and his suitability for the first team here," McCabe told The Star.
"We have so many different interests now both at home and abroad that it's important someone is in place who can bring those different strands together.
"It's also important that they are of a certain standing.
"We need omeone who can walk into any club across the world and instantly command the respect of the people there."
Directors believe their decision to increase their coaching staff will enable Blackwell to perform his duties with even greater success than last term.
n Gary Naysmith, Stephen Quinn and David Carney have all been selected for international duty later this month.
Naysmith is in the Scotland squad set to face the Czech Republic in Prague, Quinn will travel to Malaysia with the Republic of Ireland under-21s for a four-team tournament also featuring Nigeria and Iraq while Carney is set to represent Australia against Ghana.
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