MANSELL WALLACE has revealed he hopes to have Chelmsford City's new manager in place by Monday.
The Clarets chairman has received more than 20 applicants for the job, after Glenn Pennyfather was sacked last week following four years at the helm.
Wallace is eager to get a new boss in place as soon as possible and will be conducting interviews in the latter part of this week. "I have received lots and lots of CVs, more than 20," the chairman said.
"I will be sitting down with the board and members of the supporters club to make a shortlist of five or six candidates and then we will interview them on Thursday and Friday and then make over decision over the weekend.
"We sorted out a budget last Sunday, as that is something the new man will want to know, he will want to know what he has to work with, but it is moving along quickly. It's very exciting."
Rumours were circulating this week that among the candidates was former Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler, but Wallace insisted he would not be naming names.
"Because of the confidentiality of the applicant I can't talk about names," he said. "There are applicants who are still in jobs elsewhere, so only the successful applicant will ever be named."
This week has seen the departure of top-scorer Jamie Slabber and number one Stuart Searle, but Wallace will wait before bringing players in as he wants to ensure the new manager has a "blank canvas".
"Jamie going was a disappointment," the chairman said. "Jamie was a big goal-scorer and he will be missed, but I'm sure we will get someone in who will score goals and also work hard because I think we missed that a bit at the crunch end of the season.
"Stuart Searle was a great servant for the club but has decided to move into coaching and Chelsea have made him a great offer I believe.
"Danzelle St Louis-Hamilton did a good job towards the end of the season and there is a keeper in the youth team that can step up to be the number two.
"It's up to the new manager if he wants to bring anyone else in, I wanted to give him a blank canvas."
