Blog: Let the speculation begin.

AFC Telford United begin the hunt for a new manager in earnest after the Blue Square North season finished in all too familiar fashion – a defeat.

But Saturday’s 3-1 away loss to an already-relegated Vauxhall Motors mattered little in the grand scheme of things.

Bucks fans cared little as to whether they finished 11th or 12th and the home faithful were already preparing for a life in the UniBond league.

What really has everybody talking is the top job.

Ex-Shrewsbury manager Jimmy Quinn was at the Rivacre Park to cast his eye over Telford. Quinn, who has also had spells with Bournemouth and Cambridge since leaving Town, would no doubt relish the chance to lead a Telford revival.

His blue and amber past may well rule him out of the job but there are plenty more interested suitors.

How about a pair of ex-England internationals in Tim Flowers and Andy Sinton? Both are reportedly interested. Flowers is currently on Hull City’s coaching staff and Sinton is in charge of Ryman League side Fleet Town.

Flowers would represent something of a gamble with the former Premier League winner yet to take solo charge of a team.

But Sinton is a more intriguing prospect. He has been in charge at Fleet since 2004 with three top five finishes – and three play-off defeats – on his resume.

Fleet finished sixth in Ryman Division One South this term to miss out on the play offs and with Sinton based in Solihull a move to the Midlands would be a relatively simple one.

Other names which have been mentioned since Rob Smith and Larry Chambers’ departure include former Tamworth and Peterborough boss Mark Cooper,  Northwich Victoria manager Andy Preece, current Altrincham number two and former TNS boss Ken McKenna, and former Irish international Jeff Kenna – who has had spells in charge of Irish sides St Patrick’s Athletic and Galway United.

Just for fun I’ll throw a few more names into the ring based on no information whatsoever:

Charlie Blakemore. He is the current Chasetown manager and has guided them into the FA Cup proper on more than one occasion. They face a play off for promotion to the UniBond League Premier.

Bernard McNally: Currently in charge at Hednesford and has guided them into the Zamaretto Premier play offs for a place in the Blue Square regional leagues. Would the ex-Telford boss want to come back? And more to the point would fans welcome him back?

Steve Staunton: A long shot maybe, but the ex-Ireland boss left Darlington earlier this season. Whether he’d drop into non-league is one problem, and whether he’s got the ability to guide Telford into the Blue Square Premier is another.

What’s the fans opinion? Tell us below.