Shrewsbury Town will finally bring an extensive six-week search for a new manager to an end tomorrow – with fans hoping it will be former Gay Meadow legend Graham Turner.

A press conference has been called by the League Two club for 10am tomorrow at the Greenhous Meadow where the successor to Paul Simpson will be unveiled.

Supporters chief Chris Smith believes Town fans are desperately hoping the widespread speculation linking Graham Turner with an emotional return to the club proves accurate.

“Graham Turner is certainly the name on everybody’s lips and I think everyone would be delighted if that is the case,” said Telford-based Smith, who runs Super Blues and the Away Travel Club.

“It’s been a long wait for an announcement and that can be a worry because it sometimes creates uncertainty.

“But I think most supporters are understanding and, if it is Graham, fans will be happy to have waited a long time to get him back.

“He is a legend in his own right and, apart from his brief spell at Aston Villa, he has had great success everywhere he has been.

“People who can remember his first spell at Town will certainly be excited.

“We have got a good squad of young players and it would be great for them to have the chance to develop under somebody like him.

“It would bring a real feel-good factor to the club, in the short term at least.”

Steve Cotterill, Jim Gannon, Alan Knill and Mark Venus have been amongst other names linked with the vacant Shrewsbury job.

Retired defender Mike Jackson has also been touted as having a role to play in Town’s future, having acted as caretaker for the final throes of last season.

And Smith believes the prospect of an up-and-coming coach working alongside Turner would excite supporters.

“The club had its most successful period when appointments were made from within and coaches were groomed by the current manager to take charge in future years,” he added.

“Most people would welcome something like that again now,”

Turner’s availability for future managerial jobs was sealed only last week when his shares at Hereford, where he was manager and chairman, were sold.

By James Garrison