NELSON’S search for a new manager to replace departing duo Michael Morrison and Robert Grimes is underway.
A club spokesman confirmed that around 30 applications had been received by the Victoria Park club for the vacant post and, after the outstanding candidates had been singled out, the interview process was expected to start next week.
Coach Shadab Iftikhar will continue to take charge of first team affairs and he will be assisted by former Huddersfield Town and Tranmere Rovers midfielder Adnan Ahmed and Accrington Stanley’s Chris Turner (pictured above).
“We’ve had around 30 applications for the post,” said a club spokesman. “There’s some very good applications as well which is extremely encouraging.
“We want somebody with a passion, interest and enthusiasm for the club who has the necessary coaching badges.
“You need somebody who can deal with people on a daily basis and can get the best out of his players.
“You need somebody local who can attract local players and build this club up again.
“It is a delicate balance, any appointment is always a calculated risk, but we do need somebody who can dedicate the appropriate amount of time to the team and the club.”
It is clear that club officials, including chairman Fayyaz Ahmed, are looking to appoint sooner rather than later in a bid to stabilise the club once more. After picking up 13 points from five games at the start of the new campaign, the Blues have now lost six of their last seven fixtures in all competitions. Daisy Hill’s Daniel Gregory and Craig Xuereb inflicted defeat on Nelson at Little Wembley at the weekend while Bacup Borough’s Steve Maiden and Shane Birtles ensured their Lancashire Challenge Trophy journey came to an end midweek.
“Interviews are likely to take place next week after we’ve studied the applicants,” said the club spokesman. “We need to stabilise and get back on track so we can put recent happenings and results behind us.”
Meanwhile, Nelson have signed former Preston North End and Stanley forward Chris McGrail, Jordan Bent, Akram Abubakar and Billy Knight as they look to rebuild.