Town close in on new boss
A shortlist of six candidates has been drawn up by the board of directors at Blundell Park and interviews will take place throughout this week.
Town chairman John Fenty has confirmed that three of those on the shortlist are former boss Russell Slade, current caretaker manager Neil Woods and all-time Mariners appearance holder John McDermott – who watched on from the stands as Town played out a goalless draw at Northampton on Saturday.
And the Telegraph understands that the remaining trio on that shortlist is made up of Leicester City coach and former Northern Ireland international Gerry Taggart, ex-Cambridge chief and last season's Blue Square Conference Premier manager of the season Gary Brabin, and former Chesterfield boss Lee Richardson.
Meanwhile, a host of other names have recently been linked with the job including Sheffield Wednesday coach Russ Wilcox, York manager Martin Foyle and German Antoine Hey – the latter two making the shortlist a year ago before Mike Newell's appointment.
It is believed they have not made the final cut but could still come into the reckoning if there is a change of heart post-interview stage.
Mr Fenty hasn't revealed the full shortlist but admitted that an initial tally of seven included new Peterborough manager Mark Cooper who had been pencilled in for an interview today.
Six remain, however, and the board will carry out interviews over the coming five days with those expected to come to an end on Friday.
Speaking exclusively to the Telegraph, Mr Fenty said: "There's been a lot of speculation over who is in the final six.
"Mark Cooper was one of those names and obviously he is off it now. But he did apply and was a person we were keen to speak to.
"He was one of a number we intended to speak to even if he didn't apply.
"We are left with six now and Russell Slade is one of those.
"I have spoken to him on the telephone already and another we will be interviewing is John McDermott.
"John is keen to return to the club in some capacity and it's an opportunity for the board to speak with him and listen to what he has to say.
"Neil Woods is also on the list for interview and we know what his aims are.
"There has been substantial progress in the team under Neil's caretaker stewardship despite not being able to get that first win.
"So there are a number of candidates and we'll carry out interviews this week.
"I expect we will have those concluded by the weekend but we don't want anything to hamper preparations for what is a big derby game at Lincoln on Saturday so I wouldn't think there would be any announcement until after that.
"We are looking at next Monday at the latest, ahead of the Bradford game – that's the objective."
The Town chairman says the search steps up, mindful that the loan transfer window is due to close next week.
He admits any new boss needs to be in place before that window closes on Thursday, November 26.
Mr Fenty added: "We have been in contact with the interviewees for a good few days in order to give them the opportunity to watch our games and assess the team.
"They have had ample opportunity to see the Leeds match and also the weekend draw at Northampton.
"The objective of that is for them to get an overview of the team as they see it ahead of the interview so they can put their aims across.
"Of course, the imminent closure of the loan window next week is a focus of our attention and comes into our thoughts.
"Any appointment deserves an opportunity to bring players in or ship any out they see fit."
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