An appointment is expected this weekend as Thackley look to replace departed manager John Boyle – but the gap between bosses has affected the pre-season schedule.

Secretary and spokesman Chris Frank explained that the Dennyfield club will delay the finalising of their friendly fixture list.

He said: “The response was pleasing and we had a very healthy number of applications which we had to whittle down. That gave us a starting point and we formulated a shortlist.

“We invited them in and held interviews this week. We hope to have something to report by the end of this week.

“There is no great rush to get the new man in place but we have had requests for pre-season friendlies and we have asked those clubs who have shown an interest to wait a little while for confirmation.

“We thought it would be best to do nothing yet until we know who the new man is and what he has in mind. We will get back to all the clubs we have been in contact with and then the pre-season games can be organised properly.”