Shrewsbury Town fans want Livingston's David Hopkin as new manager
Livingston boss David Hopkin is the choice of Shrewsbury Town supporters to replace Paul Hurst as manager at Montgomery Waters Meadow.
Scot Hopkin is leading the way with 38 per cent of the vote in a Shropshire Star poll consisting of more than 800 votes.
The 47-year-old former Chelsea, Leeds and Crystal Palace midfielder is out of contract and currently deciding on his Livingston future – with the board giving him a deadline of June 10.
Hurst and assistant Chris Doig completed their move to Championship side Ipswich yesterday.
There was believed to be interest in Hopkin from League Two outfit Carlisle but that move seems to be off.
Unemployed duo Uwe Rosler and Steve Cotterill received 10 per cent and eight per cent of the votes respectively, but it is understood they are unlikely to win the race to replace Hurst.
Second favourite in the poll, with 23 per cent of the votes, is former Blackpool and QPR boss Ian Holloway.
Former Dutch international Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who was sacked by Northampton at the beginning of April, secured eight per cent of Town fans’ votes.
Chief executive Brian Caldwell, who wants to bring an ambitious manager to the Meadow, says managers who have enjoyed success in the division above may not take to League One.
“Sometimes it’s difficult for managers who have competed in the top level to then drop down to League One, whether it’s the facilities or whatever,” he said.
“We’ve got a training ground now, a new stadium, new facilities here. Sometimes because they’ve been successful at a higher level doesn’t mean they’ll be successful or understand the demands of League One.”
Defender Omar Beckles, meanwhile, has not been the subject of an approach from Championship new-boys Wigan Athletic, contrary to reports.
The 26-year-old was on the Latics’ radar but it is understood interest in the former Accrington man has cooled.
