Roos says he's a '50-50' chance to take reins at Melbourne
Paul Roos says he's a '50-50' chance to coach Melbourne
PREMIERSHIP-winning coach Paul Roos has declared himself an even-money chance to coach Melbourne in 2014.
The former Sydney Swans coach and now football commentator says he has held several discussions with Demons chief executive Peter Jackson in recent times.
Reports on Saturday say Roos could command an annual salary close to $2 million and may be announced as the Demons' new coach as early as next Thursday.
Roos, who led the Swans to the flag in 2005, is understood to have met with a selection of Melbourne players last week.
AFL.com.au understands a Roos coaching team could have a distinct Swans flavour to it, with Leigh Tudor and Tadhg Kennelly possibilities to join the Dees.
Melbourne is also searching for a new football manager, with former Collingwood footy boss Geoff Walsh among the preferred candidates.
AFL.com.au understands Walsh is working through three offers from AFL clubs and has met with Melbourne CEO Peter Jackson in recent weeks.
Speaking on Friday night, Roos said he was "more open" to coaching the struggling club now than he was 12 weeks ago.
"There's more interest now, and you always try to be as honest as possible," Roos told Fox Footy.
"I'm certainly not at the point where I would say I will do it, but I'm certainly thinking about it.
"I've probably gone from zero to about that 50-50 market.
"Then you have to decide if you're serious about it."
Earlier this week, Roos ruled himself out of the vacant Brisbane Lions position, saying he wasn't prepared to move his family to Queensland.
But it seems he is getting his head around the idea of coaching in Melbourne.
Melbourne sacked coach Mark Neeld in June, with former Adelaide mentor Neil Craig taking charge until the end of the season.
The Demons have won just two games in 2013 and sit second-last on the AFL ladder.