The general election is expected around May 6 and the jockeying for position has already begun.

But for City fans, the only scrap that matters is the one to succeed Stuart McCall in the Valley Parade hot-seat.

After four days of interviews, joint chairmen Mark Lawn and Julian Rhodes will sit down this evening and deliver their verdict on the candidates.

Peter Taylor looks favourite but others are fighting hard. Here is our rundown.

PETER TAYLOR

Plus points

Boasts the best record of all the candidates with five promotions under his belt, including twice from this division with Hull in 2004 and Wycombe last season. Unearthed likes of Boaz Myhill and Andy Dawson at KC Stadium. Has managed at every level, including one game in charge of England when he gave David Beckham his captaincy debut. Was eyeing the Notts County job but with the change of circumstances there may be even keener to land chance with City.

Minus points

Wasn’t quite at home in the region when he managed Hull, spending three days a week back in Essex. Fans may worry that he is not fully committed to the job in that scenario.

PETER JACKSON

Plus

Very confident in his own ability, would make the players feel like world beaters. Got Huddersfield promoted from the bottom division with a youthful team built virtually from scratch. Good contacts at this level and would definitely shake the place up. Desperate to put Lincoln disappoint behind him.

Minus

Some City fans find it hard to forgive his Huddersfield links and a few comments Jackson made before derby games. Not too much recent success.

STEVE COTTERILL

Plus

Did a great job in five years with Cheltenham, winning the Conference and then the play-offs to take them to the third tier for the first time in the club’s history. Enjoyed three-and-a-half years with Burnley and established them in the Championship with a careful rebuilding job. Makes his team hard to beat.

Minus

Can be a bit cautious in his approach and may not be the best to watch away from home. An absolutely meticulous planner when he studies the opposition but then so was McCall and that may not be so important at the bottom level.

MARTIN ALLEN

Plus

A fiery, off-the-wall character who would leave the squad in no doubt who was boss. Big into his psychology and enjoys a very good relationship with supporters. Knows this level well from Brentford and Cheltenham.

Minus

Made a messy exit from Cheltenham after being formally cleared of racial misconduct. Allen was cleared by police and the club but it was a blot on his CV. Likes a high turnover of players – signed 33 in 13 months with the Robins and had nine on loan at one time.

RUSSELL SLADE

Plus

Got a good track record at unfashionable clubs. Took over at Brighton last season when they were eight points off safety in March and kept them up with near- promotion form.

Minus

Spent a fair amount of money rebuilding Seagulls in the summer but it didn’t work out and got sacked after change of chairman in November.

JIM MAGILTON

Plus

Wants to prove a point after becoming another victim of Flavio Briatore’s hire-and-fire regime at QPR. Spent three seasons in charge of Ipswich, taking them within a point of the play-offs in the second year. Has the playing reputation that would earn him immediate respect in the dressing room.

Minus

Has never coached or managed in this level. As Stuart McCall found out, life in League Two is a world away from the Champ-ionship. Would he have the necessary contacts to pick up players capable of slotting straight into this no-nonsense division?

LAWRIE SANCHEZ

Plus

Did well at Wycombe, steering them to FA Cup semis in 2001, and then took Northern Ireland up to 27th in the FIFA world rankings, famously beating England 1-0 on the way.

Minus

Has been out of the loop since leaving Fulham in December 2007. Does plenty of media work and City might question his commitment.

DEAN WINDASS

Plus

If he manages like he plays, Deano would instil plenty of passion into the side. As City’s third highest scorer in their history, he knows the Valley Parade set-up well and what the fans want.

Minus

No managerial experience. Learned lots in two difficult months as Colin Todd’s number two at cash-ravaged Darlington but it would be a huge risk. City may want a break from appointing an ex-player.