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Progress in the hunt for a new boss

Last updated : 05 June 2006 By Rob Davies
After receiving a large number of 'serious' applicants for the post vacated by Gudjon Thordarson, the Magpies are now looking to move swiftly in appointing a new boss.

Though there are still three weeks until pre-season is scheduled to begin, Notts are well-aware that they currently only have seven players under contract - just three of whom are aged over 21 - and are desperate to give the new manager all the possible time to assemble a squad capable of challenging at the higher end of the League Two table.

A shortlist is believed to have been drawn-up by the Magpies board and a number of candidates are thought to have already been contacted.

Chief Executive Geoff Davey has admitted that it is this week where the action will really hot-up, with the club looking at an appointment potentially within the next ten days.

McParland: Strong support
"We are accessing the applicants and we are also being pro-active in making contact with the people who we think will be suited to the job," Davey said.

"We would hope to make some considerable progress during the course of this week.

"We are trying to move sensibly but as quickly as we can. We are doing it carefully but with the view to getting the job settled as reasonably quickly as possible."

Forest Coach - and former Notts player - Ian McParland remains a strong possibility for the role, though it is believed that the club would have to approach him if he were to be interviewed.

Free agents Keith Curle, Leroy Rosenior and Mick Harford are also thought to have applied, with Rochdale's Steve Parkin and Exeter's Alex Inglethorpe emerging as surprise candidates over the weekend, though Parkin denied reports of an approach from the County board.

"I haven't spoken to them nor have they spoke with me regarding the job at Notts County it's simple as that," the former Notts assistant told the Rochdale Official Website.

Another free agent, Danny Wilson - who is pushing McParland hard for the fans' first choice in the NCM poll - has also received strong support from certain quarters, but one potential candidate, John Gorman, was unveiled as the new manager of Northampton Town today.

League Two rivals Grimsby Town also appointed a new boss today. Graham Rodger, who had been assistant to previous chief Russell Slade, has signed a two-year contract with the Mariners.


For all the latest on Notts' hunt for a new boss, stay tuned to NCM.