THE allure of success remains strong for Alex Smith.
The Falkirk technical director is now in his eighth decade but concedes that the opportunity to lead the club in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final with Hibernian next month is one that rouses his instincts.
With Steven Pressley poised to take over at Coventry City, Smith and assistant manager Stevie Crawford are expected to take Falkirk players for the trip to Morton tomorrow. The 73-year-old, who has won the Scottish Cup with Aberdeen and St Mirren, admits that he could be persuaded to prolong the agreement. Not only does the chance of winning a third Scottish Cup appeal but so, too, does a return to full-time management.
Smith said: "Steven has one or two things to tidy up with Coventry but I think he will be on his way. So I will be taking things with Stevie Crawford this weekend and we'll take it from there. I wanted to help the club and I expect we will go along on this basis until the end of the season.
"If the club were to ask me to take over permanently, that wouldn't be a problem for me. When you are a manager for a long time like I was, you do miss certain things when you give it up. Things like the big decisions. We have got a big game at Hampden and the rest of the league programme too, so there is a lot going on. But Stevie has also stayed on and being an ex-manager with East Fife himself, the club might decide to give him the opportunity."
As for Pressley, Smith says his apprentice has got what it takes to make an impact. "If you can work to a structure, to a tight budget, produce a line of kids and have the courage to play them, that's the kind of manager that these clubs are looking for.
"Steven's done that with a lot enthusiasm and belief, and Coventry have recognised that. Steven's also got a bit of charisma, a style that brings in publicity to a club. Some clubs need that type."
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