After the initial buzz and media interest there has been a significant move to dampen the interest as it appears Ashley and Mort wish to conduct things steadily by interviewing various managers.

Apparently a shortlist has been drawn up with various names across Europe on it. This is a significant step and it has been clear that Mort was quick to stress that nationality is not a concern which suggests that they are willing to look further afield than these shores.

Ashley has been away in Hong Kong on business but is due back today and it will be interesting to see how quickly things gather pace.

I cannot see the manager being in place before the weekend and the Bolton game. The Bolton game is going to be very interesting. If we lost it would not make pretty reading in the league with our cushion now firmly gone and the pressure it would immediately put on any new manager.