Club legend Neil Howarth believes the AFC Telford United job is one of the biggest in non-League football – but has ruled himself out of the running.

Howarth, who was inducted into the Bucks’ Hall of Fame at last year’s legends evening, insists Rob Smith’s replacement has “big shoes to fill”.

The departures of Smith and assistant Larry Chambers were revealed yesterday, with chairman Lee Carter placing Stuart Whitehead and Antone Joseph in charge for this afternoon’s Blue Square North finale at Vauxhall Motors.

Former Bucks defender Howarth is now coach under Mark Yates at League Two outfit Cheltenham Town, and has relished a return to the Football League ranks.

But he believes the Telford job is one of the most attractive outside the top four divisions, and is sure there will be plenty of candidates.

“The expectation level there is very high,” he said. “Before the old club went bust they had never been relegated so I’d say they belong in the Blue Square Premier.

“I’m a big Rob and Larry fan. They’ve done a great job at Telford and won promotion so it’s a more attractive job to a potential manager now.

“Whoever gets the job has big shoes to fill because they’ve been very successful.

Chairman Lee Carter, who is still waiting to resolve legal issues surrounding Smith and Chambers’ departure, has yet to comment on the timetable for appointing a replacement.

But that has not stopped speculation from starting, with a number of big name non-League bosses linked with the position.

Claims that former Telford man Ken McKenna, the ex-TNS boss and current Altrincham No 2, had been approached were quickly rubbished – though it would be no surprise if he was interested in the position.

Another former TNS man, Gary Brabin, could also come into the frame. Brabin had success in charge of Southport and Cambridge.

Current Blue Square North bosses who could be contenders if interested include Andy Preece at Northwich Victoria and Chris Brindley at Stafford.