Shrewsbury Town take time to find new boss

If all good things come to those who wait, Shrewsbury Town's supporters will be anticipating a thrilling 2010-11.

Almost four weeks on from Paul Simpson clearing his desk for the final time, the search for his replacement goes on.

Patience has been, and remains, the name of the game for followers of Shropshire's sole Football League club.

As the Shrewsbury Board made clear at the start of their search, they are more determined to ensure the right appointment than satisfy demands for an instant selection.

That is, of course, understandable. But the Greenhous Meadow decision makers will also be aware the sands of time are ebbing.

Even without a boss, progress has been made with the retained list finalised and three out-of-contract players – Kevin McIntyre, Benjamin van den Broek and Harry Hooman – signing deals.

And one of the most heartening developments of the summer has been the sight of five youth team players – headlined by striker Tom Bradshaw – now graduating to the professional ranks.

That gives the club an 18-man squad, although five of those are on first year professional contracts and leading scorer Dave Hibbert has become a notable departure.

While it can't be ruled out that work on player recruitment is continuing behind the scenes, Shrewsbury will be anxious to ensure that their managerial hunt doesn't drag on long enough for any potential targets to slip through the net.

So, with nigh on 50 applicants received, who will be the man to succeed Simpson?

Barely a corner can be turned in Shrewsbury without speculation of an emotional home-coming for Graham Turner, legendary status secured by successful spells as player and manager in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Stumbling block

Football-wise it would make sense too with the 62-year-old's CV featuring a string of lower League promotions with Wolves and, more recently, Hereford.

The stumbling block remains his association with the Bulls, where he still holds the position of chairman.

All the signs are that his Edgar Street reign is coming to an end after Turner placed his shares up for sale, but final confirmation is yet to arrive.

Other names have been banded about, most notably former Stockport and Peterborough boss Jim Gannon, Mark Venus – former No 2 of Tony Mowbray at Celtic and West Brom – and current Bury chief Alan Knill.

Despite reports to the contrary, sources have confirmed that the genuine CV of world football star Ossie Ardiles was received, and it is known that the Argentinian is keen to return to football management.

And the short-term contract Steve Cotterill holds at Notts County has led him to being linked with a host of jobs in recent weeks, most recently Portstmouth.

Closer to home are the young pretenders of David Hughes and Mike Jackson, both highly regarded by the Shrewsbury hierarchy.

All the signs are that Hughes will retain his current position as Head of Youth after a hugely promising start brought with it an eye-catching brand of expansive football.

Jackson impressed in his sole game in caretaker charge, the season-ending 1-1 League Two draw with Port Vale, and it can't be ruled out that he will play some part in the club's future.

Monday's confirmation that a shortlist has been drawn up suggests the process is gathering momentum.

The possibilities remain endless but Shrewsbury find themselves at a crossroads, with a decision which will shape their future destiny not expected to be announced until next week.

By JAMES GARRISON