Next Shrewsbury Town manager: Club hope to make announcement today

Following on from interviews earlier this week, Salop were left with three outstanding candidates that all caught the eye during the process.

A late contender for the role, Alan Archibald, did not speak with Town, while it is understood that fellow Scot John Hughes is also out of the running.

Salop chief executive Brian Caldwell admitted today that the final decision will prove a difficult one, with not much between the final candidates.

Despite previously revealing that the club wanted a new boss in by this week - some two weeks after the departure of Micky Mellon to Tranmere Rovers - Caldwell was still revealing applications for the position on Thursday morning.

Caldwell said: "We're down to the final 3. It's a close call and we know It's hard for everyone to be patient.

"We want to get the right person in for the job and we'd be happy if it was any of the three.

"Never say never - if we can make an appointment the new manager will lead the team out.

"There's a possibility Danny might still be in charge (of the team), but we're making every effort.

"All three have bought into the club, they're hungry and want to take the club to the next level."

Salop sit rock-bottom of League One, with just two wins from 14 games. Mellon's final three league games with the club ended in 1-1 draws - while interim chief Danny Coyne has overseen three defeats against Bradford, Walsall and Sheffield United.

Caldwell added regarding the interview process: "We want someone who demands to be successful. We need someone with driving enthusiasm.

"You can get an understanding of people if you speak to them face to face.

"You can judge someone in the first 15-20 minutes of speaking to them

"We feel we've got the right ones, they had those attributes."