Town begin talks with candidates

Talks to unearth the next manager of Shrewsbury Town have begun - with managing director Rob Bickerton confirming he has held informal chats with "one or two" applicants.

See also: Vote in our Shrewsbury boss poll

Bickerton revealed that he has already received more than 50 bona fide applications, and expected today's postbag to be the biggest yet.

There were sightings of Micky Adams and Mike Newell at the new stadium on Oteley Road yesterday, while it is understood that talks have also taken place with former Carlisle and Preston boss Paul Simpson.

"We are still receiving applications and we have now spoken to one or two of those applicants in an informal way," said Bickerton."Those ones we have chosen to have a chat with so far are at the experienced end, but that's just to examine and discuss their interest in the position."

Bickerton insists none of the applicants have been invited to be guests at Saturday's clash with Rotherham or Tuesday's visit of Darlington.

But he added: "There may be faces in the crowd that people recognise but we have not asked them to come.

"My experience is that applicants do go to watch the team because if they are lucky enough to get an interview they can talk about the current side."

Other names to have been linked to the job so far include former Stoke boss Gudjon Thordarson and ex-MK Dons chief Martin Allen.

Livingston chief John Robertson is also believed to have thrown his hat into the ring along with Town legend Ian Atkins.

Meanwhile, caretaker manager John McMahon insists the speculation will not distract him from the job of winning matches.

McMahon has experience of this situation, having had a short spell as caretaker manager of Tranmere Rovers in October 2003.

He took the reins when Ray Matthias left the club, filling in until the appointment of Brian Little less than two weeks later.