Racing Club appear to be moving towards the familiar face of Reinaldo ‘Mostaza’ Merlo in their search for a new manager. Some internal disagreements within the club need to be ironed out as it seems Deputy Treasurer, Adrian Fernandez is not in favour of Merlo’s return. However, the word coming out of the Cilindro de Avellaneda is that it is almost done.

Following the departure of Carlos Ischia after just 5 games in charge and with Racing in the midst of their worst start to a season, it is a crucial phase in the club’s administration. The appointment of Ischia was a mess and so there is even more pressure to ensure that the correct decision is made this time.

Once again, there are several names being mentioned but now one has risen to the surface and is someone very well known to the football club and its fans.

In 2001, Merlo ensured his place in Racing’s history when he coached the team to the Apertura title, ending a 35 year wait for one of Argentina’s biggest clubs. This obviously keeps him in the highest regard at Racing but after his less successful spell in 2006 some parties are cool on the idea.

In Fernandez’s view, Merlo does not meet the criteria that he is looking for. A younger manager was initially what Racing were looking for but after the failures of Luis Zubeldia, perhaps this is not the route for Racing to go down.

Fernandez, it is said, favours the appointment of Osvaldo ‘Ossie’ Ardiles who despite living in London is open to the idea. However, President Victor Blanco is looking to calm the growing discontent in the stands by bringing back Merlo.

One discussed possibility is current Caretaker boss, Ignacio Gonzalez staying in charge until the end of the current season in December (This is apparently, dependent on victory this Sunday against Estudiantes). Then before the start of the Torneo Final, Racing could move for Julio Cesar Falcioni or Gustavo Alfaro.

The appointment is still up in the air at present but one fact remains: Reinaldo ‘Mostaza’ Merlo is keen on a return. After his meeting with club officials, the 63-year-old said, “It makes me very happy to have been noticed. Racing is the club that gave me glory. Hopefully all ends well . If they want me to lead on Sunday, no problem.”