I would think when a club are looking to hire a new manager, they would follow a certain
course of action.
A, Identify candidates that would potentially fit the bill for them, do some research and
draw up a short list.
B, Make contact, probably through an agent to find out availability, and whether it would
be worth while following up on interest.
C, Arange to meet for discussions (call it a meeting of minds) probably over dinner, talks
around ambitions, philosophy's, targets, methods, expectations etc. And importantly
compatibility.
D, Advanced talks with agents concerning contracts , monetary negotiations, etc.
E, make official approach to club and seek permission to speak to their manager.
I would think it's highly probable that TM and MV got as far along as , C , but
Then RUFC decided he wasn't the man for them OR he decided that RUFC
were not the club for him.
Surely everyone realises that when an official approach is made , the work has
been completed and it's just a matter of dotting the I,s and crossing the T,s.
I bet Alan Stubbs enjoyed a nice dinner with RUFC representatives last week,
I doubt his club knew.
When you think about it , Bawtryneil gave us a heads up on here , and in
doing so alerted others , if RUFC backed off from TM ,this could be the
Reason.