Former Shrewsbury Town and Telford United forward Andy Cooke has been offered the chance to take the first steps on the managerial ladder – with his home town club Market Drayton.

Cooke, the 35-year-old who also had a spell with Newtown, has staged talks with the UniBond League division one south outfit over filling the vacant managerial hot-seat, with the possibility of reviving his playing career as well.

Negotiations are set to continue this weekend, and Drayton chairman Alex Mutch remains hopeful of securing the services of one of Shropshire football’s most popular and recognisable figures.

“If we could pull this off, it would be a massive bonus and coup for the club,” said Mutch.

“Negotiations are continuing and I am still hopeful.”

Cooke – who has been working as a consultant for a football agency since ending his playing career in August 2008 – has declined to comment on the potential role.

The appointment of a player who once moved from Burnley to Stoke for £300,000 would be a major development for Drayton, who have undergone an amazing progression in recent seasons.

The Greenfields men won the West Midlands League premier division title in 2005-6 and the Midland Alliance league and cup double last season.

But they have suffered a disruptive last six weeks with manager Simon Line leaving the club to take the top job at Hednesford.

His replacement Lee Roberts lasted just two weeks before his second spell in charge of the club ended in double quick time following a dugout dispute with coach Mick Murphy.

Line’s departure has been the catalyst for four key players to leave the club.

But Drayton have maintained their remarkable start to the season and were fourth in their league – with the chance to go top should they win their matches in hand – ahead of this afternoon’s home clash with Goole.