Former Nottingham Forest star Des Lyttle is urging AFC Telford United to give him the chance to prove he is managerial material.

The 38-year-old finished the current season playing in the Blue Square Premier for Tamworth, though he has also been coaching with the Wolves academy.

Lyttle confirmed he had applied to be Rob Smith’s successor, though it is not clear whether he has made it onto the Board’s list of candidates for interview.

But the Wolverhampton-born right-back certainly has a top pedigree, having twice enjoyed promotion to the Premier League during his six years at Forest, as well as helping the East Midlanders to third place in the top flight in 1995.

He helped Tamworth win the Blue Square North in 2009 and is now eager to take his first step onto the managerial ladder.

“I think it’s a great job to go for, and I’m quite local to Telford,” said Lyttle, who also turned out for West Brom, Northampton and Worcester.

“I’m having a great time at Tamworth but I want to get into management and I think I have a great deal to offer.

“I’ve had a decent playing career and now I want to take the next step.

“I’ve been involved at Wolves for the last few years and I’ve done quite a bit of coaching at Tamworth, too.

“Hopefully I’ll have the chance to show Telford what I’m all about,” he added.

Managers

“I know the players and the style of football that is needed to succeed in that league.”

Lyttle is one of several big names to have expressed an interest in the top job at the New Bucks Head, with the likes of Mark Cooper, Andy Sinton and Jeff Kenna all stating their cases.

Stalybridge chief Jim Harvey, Northwich boss Andy Preece and Hinckley’s Dean Thomas are among managers already in jobs who are thought to have made enquiries.

By CHRIS HUDSON