Town have interviewed the first candidates on the short-list of replacements for departing boss Joe Royle. Chairman David Sheepshanks and chief executive Derek Bowden met earlier this week to sift through the 40 or so applications.

The interview process will continue over the next five days with Tony Mowbray amongst those with whom the Blues' off-field management will hold talks.

Bowden told the club site: "Given the fact that we are out of the season, we are not in a rush to make a decision, but it is our aim to appoint the new manager by the time the players return to pre-season training at the end of June."

The Town players will be back from their summer breaks on June 26th.

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