Long list of applicants sees Rovers take time on new man

Rovers’ board will meet today to discuss the next step in their search for a permanent successor to Dean Saunders, with joint-caretaker boss Brian Flynn rated as the bookies’ favourite to take over.

Several other names including St Johnstone boss Steve Lomas, Coventry City chief Mark Robins and former Rovers favourite and Huddersfield Town No 2 Glynn Snodin have also been linked with the post.

Ryan has confirmed that a number of people currently in work at football clubs have thrown their hat into the ring for the managerial position, but it is understood that Snodin has not applied and remains happy at Town.

Interviews will take place early next week with an appointment to be made shortly after, according to Ryan.

Ryan said: “We are hopeful of a decision next week. We have had one meeting already. We have received 175 applications for the job and have whittled them down to a shortlist of four or five.

“The standard of applications has been very high. We are taking our time as it is not like a normal situation where you are looking for a manager because you are bottom of the league or whatever.

“We are very much at the other end of the division and while it is not broken, we do not need to fix it in a hurry. Things can also involve other clubs sometimes and compensation maybe. There’s a lot of factors you have to take into consideration.”

Following the departure of Saunders, Flynn – assisted by Rob Jones – was given two games to convince the Rovers board that he is worthy of earning the job on a permanent basis, with the Welshman afforded the ideal start last Saturday when he steered the club to a 2-1 victory at Stevenage – extending their record unbeaten league streak away from home to 12 matches.

The weather could prevent Flynn being given a second game to impress at home to Leyton Orient, with Ryan and his boardroom colleagues expected to make an announcement next week, come what may.

On their impact so far, Ryan said: “We are happy that Brian and Rob continue in the short-term and we will make our decision in due course.

“I have been impressed by the pair and they will certainly come into our thinking.”