Vice chairman Keith Sayfritz today outlined a timeframe for the unveiling of Shrewsbury Town’s next manager, revealing: “We aim to appoint in the next 10 to 14 days.”

Shrewsbury have been without a manager since Paul Simpson was sacked almost five weeks ago, two games from the end of the League Two season.

But Sayfritz, speaking on behalf of the Town Board, revealed that they are aiming to bring the recruitment process to a close inside the next fortnight.

“We were receiving applications up until Friday, but we’ve been making progress,” said Sayfritz.

“We hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the appointment of a new manager in the next 10 to 14 days.

“Our stance from the outset has been that we’ve been determined, to the best of our ability, to make the right appointment for this club.

“We’re hoping to do that within the time-frame we have stated.”

A host of names continue to be linked to the post, with former Shrewsbury boss and current Hereford owner Graham Turner dominating the rumour mill.

Elapsed

His situation remains clouded as he looks to sell his shares in the Bulls – and others including Steve Cotterill, Alan Knill and Mark Venus continue to be mentioned in dispatches for the Town vacancy.

Sayfritz recognises that several weeks have elapsed without a conclusion to the saga, but has moved to re-assure supporters that progress is being made in the search for Paul Simpson’s successor.

“We understand the concern that some of our supporters may have over the length of time it appears to have taken,” he added.

“But I can assure them that this has been the No 1 priority of the Board since the end of the season.

“We’ve been working extremely hard on it, but we cannot give a running commentary on everything that we are doing, for obvious reasons.”

By CHRIS HUDSON