Bradford City chairman Geoffrey Richmond today said Paul Jewell's successor will come from within the club.
Skipper Stuart McCall and caretaker boss Chris Hutchings are the men in the frame.
The Bantams have been linked with a host of names since Jewell's shock exit from Valley Parade with Danny Wilson, Bruce Rioch and Joe Kinnear all reported to be interested in the job.
However Richmond has moved quickly to quash such speculation.
He said: "We are leaning towards an internal appointment which, of course, has served us well in the past.
"There are at least two outstanding candidates within the club in the form of Chris Hutchings and Stuart McCall.
"No decision has been made but there are many advantages of making an internal appointment.
"It is something that has served Liverpool very well over the years. The greatest asset we have is the tremendous team spirit in the dressing room and both Stuart and Chris have played a big part in that."
City's previous two managers, Chris Kamara and Jewell, were both promoted from within the club.
Meanwhile, Richmond has also rubbised a report this morning that Bolton were set to sign Dean Windass for £1.3 million.
The City chairman said: "We can totally and categorically state that Dean Windass is going nowhere."
Meanwhile, Bradford-based bookmakers John Wood had made McCall the clear front-runner to become the club's 33rd manager by pricing him at 4-7.
The prices were drawn up before Richmond's comments today and they also made acting boss Chris Hutchings and Terry Yorath 5-1 for the post.
City will have to move quickly though because they will be in action within ten days.
They will face either Turkish side Kocaelispor or FK Atlantas of Lithuania in their Intertoto Cup second round tie with the first leg due to be played away.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article