Sheffield United club chairman Terry Robinson has ruled Stuart McCall and Chris Coleman out of the running to succeed Neil Warnock at Bramall Lane and revealed Bryan Robson, Peter Reid and Dave Bassett are more likely candidates.

The Blades were relegated from the Barclays Premiership on the final day of their first season back in the top flight after losing 2-1 to fellow strugglers Wigan on Sunday.

Warnock left by mutual consent yesterday and plc chairman Kevin McCabe said his former assistant McCall would be interviewed during the recruitment process.

However, club chairman Robinson revealed the likes of Robson, Reid and former Blades chief Bassett are more suitable.

McCall, whose contract expires this summer, looks likely to leave the club altogether, as he has been linked strongly with the Bradford manager's position and other clubs.

Robinson said: "Stuart has given good service to United and the last manager.

"He has gained good experience, and I'm sure that there will be interest in his services as a manager in the lower divisions.

"However, we didn't feel that he fulfilled all of the criteria in terms of experience at this stage.

"Stuart wanted another season in the Premiership and was bitterly disappointed, but I believe he has had offers already from several clubs."

Of former Fulham boss Coleman, Robinson told the club's website, www.sufc.co.uk: "Chris Coleman is another that we have heard mentioned and, although he has good experience as a footballer and manager at the top level, he doesn't fit all of the criteria in terms of managing at Championship level.

"People know that we are looking for experience, so people like Bryan Robson, Peter Reid and even Dave Bassett would fit the bill in many ways."

McCall had appeared to be firmly in the frame for the job when McCabe said on Wednesday: "We have got the infrastructure and a strong first-team squad, so we need someone with experience to take us back.

"We need someone who has done it before. Stuart fits into that category as he has been at clubs as a player, coach and assistant manager.

"Stuart will certainly be interviewed along with other would-be candidates."