THERE’S been no shortage of applications for the vacant managerial job at MOSSLEY but the club are in no hurry to fill the post.
It could be two weeks before a shortlist is compiled and interviews will follow.
Vice-chairman Callum Irving says the board are taking their time as they want to make sure they find the right person rather than making an appointment for the sake of it.
He explained: “We’ve had the top end of 30 applications and had a board meeting yesterday (Thursday) to sift through them. Now I’m going to get back to the people who’ve been in touch to update them.
“We’re not going to rush. We’re comfortable with Andy Keogh in temporary charge and we’re going to take our time. We want to do this right and not just appoint someone because they’re available. But that doesn’t mean we’re sitting on our hands.”
No clues are being given as to who the applicants might be. Speculation has surrounded John Flanagan and Steve Halford, and this week there has been talk about former central defender Adam Jones who is in charge at Stockport Town. However, Mossley are revealing nothing.
Mr Irving said: “There’s a real spectrum. Some applicants have a strong pedigree and their names are well known in non-league. Some are up-and-coming, and there are people working in other areas of the game who want to coach.
“It’s a really interesting group and it’s making the process that bit harder. But because we’re not rushing we’ve got time to go through the applications properly.”
Tomorrow (Saturday) — Storm Dennis permitting — the Lilywhites visit Workington. Although the Cumbrian side are second in the BetVictor NPL first division north west, Mossley should be in confident mood. They are unbeaten in their last five games having kept clean sheets in three.
Midfielder Gary Gee misses the long journey because of a back injury, but defender Jack Grundy’s loan from Oldham Athletic has been extended for a further month. Keeper Theo Roberts is still recovering from a broken bone in his hand.
Central defender Keil O’Brien has returned to Trafford having completed his loan spell.
At DROYLSDEN, manager Dave Pace must be wondering what he did to deserve his appalling luck with injuries as he struggles to put memories of last week’s 7-0 home defeat by Marine behind him.
Kane Hickman, Andrew Langford, Jamie Frost and Keano Deacon are all definitely unavailable for the visit to Pontefract. Danny Wilkins is ill and Adam Rooney faces a fitness test. It’s also believed some players have requested their release.
Left-back Sam OIiver, a work-experience signing from Sheffield Wednesday, should feature again.
Bakari Moussa and Jeremy Seosolo come back into the reckon for GLOSSOP NORTH END’s home encounter with Kidsgrove in the first division south east having recovered from illness and injury Scott Kay serves the final instalment of his three-match ban.
In the premier division, ASHTON UNITED will be looking to move further away from the bottom three when they face sixth-placed Warrington at Hurst Cross.
Liam Tomsett remains suspended. There could be a signing later tonight or tomorrow morning. A pitch inspection has been arranged for 10.30am.
Lloyd Allinson should take over in goal for HYDE UNITED at Morpeth after missing the midweek Integro Cup win at Widnes with strained ligaments. Fellow keeper James Hodges is nearing fitness after a long lay-off.
Unfortunately, midfielder Harry Benns has suffered a setback in his bid to shake off an ankle injury.
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC, who have yet to taste victory in eight games in 2020, will rack up their longest run without a win in five years if they fail to beat Gainsborough Trinity.
Manager Simon Haworth at least has an injury-free squad for the journey to Lincolnshire.
In National League North, CURZON ASHTON will face Telford United if the New Bucks Head pitch passes an inspection tomorrow morning.
Isaac Sinclair and Tunde Bayode will both be back in the squad. Former Hyde United wide man Jamal Crawford has gone to Atherton Collieries on a dual registration.