Shrewsbury Town will bide their time in new manager hunt says Brian Caldwell

But former Coventry and West Brom boss Tony Mowbray appears to have ruled himself out of the running.

Town are searching for a replacement for Micky Mellon after the Scot's two-and-a-half year tenure ended last week.

And while Caldwell wants to have a new man in place as soon as possible, he warned the process may drag into next week. "I think we need to take the time needed," Caldwell told shrewsburytown.com.

"The earlier we can make a decision the better, but it is important that we make the right decision.

"We will take our time to make sure we get the right person in, whether that's this week, next week or whenever. It's important that we appreciate the games are coming thick and fast, we play Sheffield United on Tuesday night as well.

"There's been a full range of applicants from all over the UK and also abroad as well, as expected because I look at Shrewsbury Town being an attractive proposition for a lot of people.

"We are going through it individually and categorising them, whether they're someone we want to look into further and ones who we'd probably discount.

"It is an ongoing process, the list isn't getting any shorter, although we are trying to wheedle it down.

"With the facilities we've got, people will check in and realise that we are building the training ground, we've got facilities and there's a good catchment area. We've got a lot of potential if we can get it right on the park."

Mowbray is available after quitting as manager of Coventry City but reports claim he will not be applying for the post.

Morecambe boss Jim Bentley and ex-Wolves chief Kenny Jackett are joint favourites with the bookies.