Stafford Rangers have today revealed that their search for Chris Brindley’s replacement has attracted interest from bosses who have managed in the Football League.

The board and chairman Mike Hughes met again last night to discuss the vacant manager’s post, after a raft of applications at Marston Road over the past few days.

Rangers expect to hold interviews all this week, with the clock ticking until the team return to action in Saturday’s Blue Square North game at Nuneaton.

Graham Heathcote, ex-Hednesford boss Bernard McNally along with Bridgnorth duo Lee Mills and Tony Dinning have all been linked to the job, although none possess experience as a manager in the Football League.

Hughes has been delighted with the response since Brindley quit a week ago but insisted the club will take their time in appointing his successor.

The chairman said: “All together we have received close to 20 applications for the job, from a wide spectrum of candidates.

“They range from levels below, aspiring young managers who have come forward looking to take the next step, to people who managed at our standard and higher.

“We have even had people apply who have been managers in the Football League, so we have got a good choice.”

The board are in contact by telephone daily and can call a meeting at any time, as most are based in Stafford and the surrounding areas.

Caretaker boss Steve Wynn, Brindley’s assistant, will hold the fort in the meantime although Hughes hasn’t completely ruled out a new manager being in place by the weekend.

He said: “If we all decide we have got the right person then, assuming he accepts, it will be offered to him.

“Whether that is this week, next week or in a month’s time, we can’t say at this stage.”

Rangers duo Lee Evans and Ben Mills have been called up by the Football Association for a representative match against Hallam FC to be played at Sheffield’s Sandygate Stadium next Tuesday night.

The squad has been selected by Paul Fairclough, the England semi-professional team manager, made up entirely of Blue Square North players including goalkeeper Evans and striker Mills.