Shrewsbury Town have moved a step closer towards appointing their new manager by drawing up a short-list.

Well over 40 applicants have thrown their name into the hat to be considered in the search for Paul Simpson’s successor.

And the race is now hotting up with the list of candidates dramatically whittled down.

“We have finalised a short-list and we have scheduled interviews to take place,” said vice-chairman Keith Sayfritz.

It is expected those interviews will take place over the coming week, although Sayfritz remains reluctant to put a time-frame on when an appointment will be finalised.

“That’s very difficult to say because, at this stage, we don’t know whether second interviews will be required,” said the spokesman for the Board.

The Prostar Stadium decision-makers remain open-minded over the future management structure, but insist that the successful applicant will be responsible for appointing his backroom team.

Former Town player and manager Graham Turner continues to be heavily linked with a role at Shrewsbury, but his availability centres around how quickly he can sell his shares at Hereford United.

The Bulls supremo has indicated a conclusion is imminent to the negotiations at Edgar Street, but has not been drawn over his future plans.

Other names which have been linked with the Shrewsbury job include ex-Stockport chief Jim Gannon, former West Bromwich Albion and Celtic No 2 Mark Venus as well as current League Two bosses Steve Cotterill and Alan Knill who are in charge at Notts County and Bury.

Despite the managerial uncertainty, preparations continue for next season with midfielder Kevin McIntyre and young defender Harry Hooman both putting pen to paper on new deals. Club officials remain confident Dutch winger Benjam van den Broek will soon do likewise.