Brian Caldwell: We've lined up Shrewsbury targets
Managerless Shrewsbury Town have identified the top targets in the race to replace Micky Mellon at the Greenhous Meadow helm.
Town have whittled down more than 100 applicants to their preferred shortlist and chief executive Brian Caldwell is speaking with representatives this week.
After extensive work behind the scenes with Caldwell, chairman Roland Wycherley, director James Hughes and secretary Jane Bebb all involved, Town hope to seal the deal as soon as possible – but Caldwell admits that circumstances have proved tricky.
"A lot has been happening behind the scenes since Friday," said the Salop chief executive. "Especially over the weekend.
"I cannot go into details but when you have targets, their agents and clubs to talk to, it takes longer than you would like. But we are moving in the right direction."
Morecambe chief Jim Bentley and Wolves first-team coach Rob Edwards are thought to be in the running.
While the likes of Steve Cotterill and Tony Mowbray have distanced themselves from the position, Caldwell last week revealed that "unemployed Championship managers" were holding out for another second tier job rather than moving to Salop.
One manager to fall under that umbrella, former Wolves boss Kenny Jackett, declared on Saturday evening that he was 'open-minded' and wanted to help a club that had 'under-achieved'.
"I'm looking forward to getting back into the game and holding out for the next challenge," said Jackett.
"Not particularly (a Championship club). I'm open-minded and want somewhere where I feel like I can work to my strengths, to what I can bring to a club.
"I'm totally open-minded and look forward to wherever that challenge is.
"Possibly a club which has under-achieved, possibly somewhere that you make a difference and you can see clearly that when you come in, there are things you can implement straight away.
"Number one to help the club and number two to help you in your own career as well."
Meanwhile, the latest name in the frame for the Town job is former Inverness chief John Hughes. The Scot's odds dipped dramatically as he was installed 6-4 favourite with bookmakers.
The 52-year-old, from Edinburgh, has also managed Falkirk, Hibs and Livingston before spending six months at Hartlepool.
Town will find out their FA Cup opponents tonight. The draw is made at 7pm, broadcast on BT Sport.
