Swindon Town are said to be preparing a second approach for Gary Speed after Richard Money turned down the chance to become their manager.

Sheffield United midfielder Speed, 39, is out injured for the rest of the season but believes a back operation will enable him to carry on playing.

He has an offer to coach at United but is keen to start his managerial career.

Swindon chairman Andrew Fitton said yesterday he has become frustrated after six weeks of trying to find the right man to replace Maurice Malpas.

He was thought to have found his when Money apparently resigned his Newcastle coaching role but the compensation package is thought to have been one of the sticking points.

Fitton is belived not to have given up on Money but Speed, and former Bristol City boss Danny Wilson, are still in the frame.

He is believed to be ready to go back to Newcastle next week but will talk to Speed and Wilson in case a deal cannot be hammered out.

Speed Said he has yet to have a discussion with Fitton. “I have not had any contact with Swindon. I am under contract with Sheffield United," he said.

“Last week the manager said there had been a discussion with Swindon, but I have not heard anything else.

“I hear that some people have already written off my playing days, but that is completely out of order.

“I want to get back playing in a couple of months, not the six months everyone has been quoting.”