The closing date for applications for the vacant manager's post at Eccleshill is today and the club now have a long list of possible successors to Steve Watson.

"I have written to everyone who has applied and we hope to begin the interviewing process before the week is over," said club secretary Paul Jarvis.

"There is a meeting on Monday, a full committee meeting because everyone wants to be involved in the selection of the new man, and we hope to decide the way forward on the night.

"That would allow us to start seeing candidates almost right away; certainly before the weekend. It could be a long process because of the number of applicants but we aim to have someone in place by the end of the month or certainly early in June."

Jarvis insists all the people who showed serious interest will be granted an interview to state their case in person.

There are thought to be 11 applicants, with one of those coming as a joint application by a manager and assistant.

"If we get it all sorted out before the end of May, it would slot in nicely, but if it runs into early next month it will still give the new man chance to settle in," said Jarvis.

"He will have calls to make and people to meet before the players report back for pre-season training.

"There is a real mixed bag of applicants. Some are very experienced, while some are players coming to the end of their careers who have taken the relevant coaching badges and are hoping to get a start in management.

"The outstanding thing is the quality of their CVs and we could pick any one from the list and be on a winner. It will be difficult to turn some of them away.

"There has also been a knock-on effect, as people have been asking about the reserves and academy in case there are other vacancies.

"There may be some big decisions for the committee to make regarding other positions at the club in the close season."