National League North Gloucester City say they have been “inundated” with candidates to succeed Mike Cook.
Tigers officials have updated fans on the early stages of their search for a new manager after Saturday’s surprise sacking of Cook, pictured.
The 51-year-old had been in charge since succeeding Chris Todd in January and guiding them to safety last term.
Cook left with City sitting in 12th spot in the table, his departure announced after the club’s game at Alfreton Town on Saturday fell foul of the weather.
According to a club statement on Tuesday, the Tigers are preparing to appoint a full-time manager and are confident their new boss will be at the helm on Saturday when they host Bradford Park Avenue in the third qualifying round of the Buildbase FA Trophy.
A number of high-profile names are already being linked with the vacant hot-seat including former West Ham United and Birmingham City academy coach James Rowe.
Former Hereford boss Pete Beadle is also reported elsewhere to have emerged as a front-runner as homeless City push forward plans to return home next season from their current groundshare at Evesham’s Jubilee Stadium.
The statement read: “Following the news of Mike Cook’s departure, the club has been inundated with applications for the now vacated manager’s role.
“Whilst naturally focus is on the here and now, we must also be looking ahead to next season with the club preparing for the change to a full time manager and different operating model.
“This change was always planned to happen at the end of the current season, ready for our return home to the City.
“We are pleased with the calibre of candidates showing interest and we can confirm that the interview process has already begun.
“With the Buildbase FA Trophy game this Sunday, we are confident of having a new manager in place for this fixture ahead of a very busy and important Christmas period.
“We would like to express our thanks to everyone that has applied for the role so far. One of the key requirements is that the new manager must have worked in a full-time club in the National League as a minimum.
“Gloucester City is a fantastic club with big ambitions, a new stadium that is about to rise with a committed fanbase that have travelled all over and outside of the County to back it.
“The successful candidate will need to be someone who matches our ambition and can lead the club forwards.”
Management Announcement – Gloucester City AFC https://t.co/nQwIFuKlup
— Gloucester City AFC (@GCAFCofficial) November 16, 2019
Former Coventry City and Cambridge United youngster Cook retired from professional football with a spinal injury at 22, moving into coaching with Cambridge and later as part of Cheltenham Town’s community programme.
He’d previously managed Cinderford Town between 2004 and 2006 before inheriting a City side who were second-bottom and four points from safety.
“Gloucester City AFC can confirm that Mike Cook has left his position as first team manager within the club,” read a Tigers statement announcing his departure.
“The board would like to express their thanks to Mike for everything he achieved last season and wish him every success for the future.”
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