Curle ruled out of managerial race

Former Mansfield Town boss Curle has been out of work since being sacked by the Stags for allegedly bullying a youth team player back in November.

He will begin his new role as manager of Chester on Monday, with him being unveiled in-front of supporters tomorrow. The 43-year-old has been handed the reigns for an initial season, after taking over from sacked Ian Rush.

He had enjoyed reasonable success at Field Mill, losing out on penalties in the playoff final last season. The Stags looked capable of sustaining another promotion push this campaign when they demolished Notts at Field Mill earlier in the season, before Curle's sacking and subsequent replacement with Footballing Genius Sir Carlton Palmer.

Former England defender Curle had been one of the favourites to take over the hotseat at Meadow Lane, after current boss Ian Richardson was told he will not be offered the job next season. With Lincoln boss Keith Alexander stating that he wants to remain at the Imps (Lord knows why), the candidates are already diminishing for the post.

It has also been confirmed by the club that Paul Hart has not applied for the job.

For all the latest with the managerial race at Meadow Lane, check back to NCM.