County close in on new boss

Whilst many, many miles away England were kick-starting their World Cup campaign, the board of now little Notts County were slogging out the latter stages of negotiations with the two most outstanding candidates of an original five-man shortlist.

Although the final runner for the vacant manager's post has now been interviewed, it is not expected that the new man will be announced until next week, making for an anxious wait for the awaiting Notts fans.

Wilson: The people's choice?

The appointment – which comes almost three weeks after the departure of former manager Gudjon Thordarson – could have thrown the club's pre-season recruitment plans into some uncertainty, with all bets with potential new players – including former Bradford City midfielder Lee Crooks – having been called off following the Iceman's departure.

Such a wait has so far spared Northern Ireland under-21 defender Emmet Friars of any further delay on a decision on his future, with the young defender – a product of the club's once acclaimed youth system – opting to drop into the Conference with Tamworth during the latter stages of the week.

And with the club now looking to lay the foundations for a successful 2006/07 League Two campaign, it has today been reported in the local press that former Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley manager Danny Wilson along with ex-Notts assistant Steve Thompson are both very much in the frame for the vacant post, as the club now look to appoint their fourth manager in little over three years at Meadow Lane.

Of the pair, early indications show that Danny Wilson would be the favourable choice, at least of the club's supporters, with the condemnation of the possible return of Steve Thompson – the assistant to former County boss Colin Murphy, now widespread on the NCM messageboard.

The final decision, however, will lie very much on the doorstep of Geoff Davey, who claims that the club were now poised to make an announcement ‘early next week'.

Naturally, NCM will bring you news as and when word is received.