MATT Kilgallon feels City cannot afford to rush into their next hot-seat appointment.

Mark Warburton, Steve Cotterill and Ian Cathro currently head the bookmakers’ odds to replace Simon Grayson, who left Valley Parade a week ago.

Grant McCann and Gary Megson are also among the names that have been mentioned.

Kilgallon admits the City squad are as desperate as the fans to find out who will be their new boss.

But the club’s most senior player insists chairman Edin Rahic should take his time to get the right man for the job.

He said: “Nobody is sure what’s going on now that Grayson has gone.

“We’re just like everyone else, going on the internet and reading the newspapers to find out who is coming in.

“I’m quite used to it now because football is a harsh environment. People are there one minute and gone the next.

“It’s almost like every summer you’re away on holiday with the kids and checking your phone to see who is coming in or going out.

“You see a lot of names being thrown forward but you expect that because it’s a big club. Managers will be interested.

“The quicker the better would be great but it’s got to be the right one this time.

“It’s a big appointment because we need to hit the ground running next season. We need a massive start.”

Grayson decided to call it quits at the end of the season and warned that expectations within the club should be lowered if the playing budget is not raised for his successor.

Kilgallon added: “I was surprised that he left but we don’t know what’s gone on. It’s a tricky one to comment on.

“I found out from the club. He spoke to everyone in the press and thanked everyone.

“I’ll send him a text message but that’s just the way it is. You might work with him again, you never know.

“Everyone tried their best for him but he’s gone and we can’t dwell on that. It’s another manager’s time now.”

City are expected to announce their retained list within the next day or so. Colin Doyle, Tony McMahon and Timothee Dieng are among the out-of-contract players.

“I’m just glad I’ve got another year,” said Kilgallon. “I’ve been there and know what it’s like for them.

“I’m sure they will all want to stay. I’d be very surprised if anyone wanted to go.

“But it’s up to whoever comes in and if they fancy them or not.

“Trying to keep as many of the big characters as we can is important. But we do need new players in because we were short last season.”

Meanwhile, young striker Joel Grodowski has revealed that he is returning to Germany.

The 20-year-old told RuhrNachrichten.de that he had been offered a one-year contract with the option of another. But he has decided to go home after making just one sub appearance.

He said: “I didn’t renew my contract. I want to play again in Germany and succeed in Germany.

“I need the family environment here (but) I’m grateful I got the chance.”

Grodowski joined City’s development squad last July after scoring 94 goals in two seasons for German side PSV Bork. His only senior game was from the bench in the 2-0 loss at Doncaster in March.