Next Shrewsbury Town Manager: Tony Mowbray and Kenny Jackett favourites

Former Bristol City chief Steve Cotterill was bookies' favourite but it is understood that he isn't in the running for the position following Mellon's exit.

Ex-Wolves boss Jackett has been a hot topic with Town fans since the former Millwall man was axed at Molineux in July. The 54-year-old has been spotted watching Town at Greenhous Meadow this season, along with fellow former Wolves chief Dave Jones, who is also among the bookies' suggestions.

Mellon left the club yesterday, alongside his assistant and head of coaching Mike Jackson, after a 'mutual agreement' was reached, and the former was unveiled as new boss of National League side Tranmere Rovers just before 9pm last night.

Goalkeeping coach Danny Coyne, 43, is in the hotseat temporarily and will oversee the club's trip to unbeaten Bradford City at Valley Parade tomorrow.

But the Welshman ruled himself out of taking the position full time.

Shropshire Star readers had their say on the now vacant position, with former Premier League manager Ian Holloway – who has been out of work since March 2015 – the favourite with over 38 per cent of votes from more than 1000 opinions.

Jackett follows a close second with 29 per cent, while Cotterill gained 16 per cent.

There were also calls for ex-West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Mowbray, who is third favourite with the bookies behind Cotterill and Jackett, after he left Coventry last week.

Mowbray, who underwent a tough job at the Ricoh Arena with controversial owners Sisu, may be keen on a instant return to the game.

Salop chief executive Brian Caldwell revealed that the appointment would be a considered one and time would be spent deciding which application best fits the bill.

The Scot, who replaced Matt Williams as chief executive in February, would not confirm that a new boss will be in place for next weekend's trip to Walsall.

Town find themselves in League One's bottom three going into the clash at Valley Parade, having secured just two victories from 11 outings so far this term.

The much-scrutinised home record, which has led to vocal uprest from home supporters over recent weeks, played a part in Mellon's exit – with just six home wins in 28 attempts.

"No, there's isn't a manager in the wings." Caldwell confirmed. "I've got to be honest about that.

"In the situation we are just now, we do need to address what we do and the most important thing is the team on the pitch.

"Obviously we're very keen to make an appointment as quickly as possible but it's important for the football club that we make the right appointment in the best interest of the football club.

"We need to look at what the options are and make the decision as quickly as possible but ensure it's the best interest."

When pushed for a timescale of a replacement, h added: "I would never like to put dates on it having been in football for 20 years.

"It's not one where you could ever say when anybody would be appointed.

"Obviously it's come to a head but we all need to look back on them, Michael (Jackson) too, and have respect for them, which I do.

"We'll take our time and get it right which is most important."