Supporters backing Simpson

Paul Simpson has emerged as the fans' front-runner for the vacant managerial position at Shrewsbury Town.

The 41-year-old bagged 23 per cent of the hundreds of votes cast so far in our exclusive online poll.

Simpson held talks with the Town hierarchy on Wednesday, and is known to be keen on a job he views as an enticing prospect.

Simpson has an excellent record in the lower divisions, having taken Carlisle from the Nationwide Conference to League One with successive promotions, and briefly took Preston to the top of the Championship in a 15-month stint at Deepdale.

Current Burton boss Nigel Clough finds himself in second place with 20 per cent of the vote.

But sources close to the Blue Square Premier club believe Clough, who has consistently rejected overtures from other clubs in recent years, is likely to continue to stay loyal to the East Midlands club.

Mike Newell and Micky Adams, who were both at Oteley Road for initial talks on Wednesday, each earned 13 per cent of the vote, with Steve Cotterill and Morecambe manager Sammy McIlroy on 10 and eight per cent respectively.

Caretaker manager John McMahon only tallied three per cent of the vote, but will be hoping victory over Rotherham tomorrow and Darlington on Tuesday could aid his cause.

The poll will continue to stay live on the site for a little while more, on the right of this page, so you can still have your say.