Kevan hoping for replay chance

Posted Sunday, January 24, 2010 by PA

Notts County caretaker boss Dave Kevan came within seven minutes of famously steering the Magpies into the last 16 of the FA Cup, but now has no idea if he will be in charge for the replay.

Lee Hughes' 20th goal of the season and a superb 25-yard free-kick from Ben Davies had County dreaming of a remarkable upset in front of their own fans at Meadow Lane. Wigan, though, had other ideas as first Jason Scotland finally ended his goal drought, pulling one back in the 53rd minute. And thirty minutes later substitute Ben Watson headed home the equaliser to set up a February 2 replay at the DW Stadium.

Although that game is just 11 days away, and Kevan has been in charge since mid-December, given the state of flux at a club that faces a second winding-up order this season on Wednesday, he is unsure as to what his future holds. Asked as to whether he would still be at the helm for the replay, he replied: "I don't know. I really couldn't answer that."

He added: "We're just taking it a day at a time, a game at a time, so who knows. Hopefully things will be resolved shortly in the next week or so. I've said from day one, I'm not interested in the job. I'm looking after things."

Kevan insists the permanent job is beyond him, adding: "This is a big club and a big project which hopefully will kick in again, and they're going to need an experienced manager to see that through."

Appreciably, despite Wigan's late reprieve, he was delighted with how his players performed against top-flight opponents.

"I'm just pleased they were able to stay focused and put in that type of performance, and credit to them for that," assessed Kevan. I thought the lads were fantastic, but when we look at it again in the cold light of day, we'll have mixed feelings.

"They know they've had a great opportunity to cause an upset, and sadly that hasn't quite developed.

"But they can take massive credit for the performance, and if they can repeat that sort of level, it will stand us in good stead for the remainder of the season."

Kevan insists winning in the replay is certainly not beyond his team, adding: "It's another opportunity to progress. We'll go there and look forward to it, and we'll certainly be ready for it. Can we win it? If we perform to the level we have, then who knows?"