MARK Trueman and Conor Sellars will oversee City’s transfer window after being promoted to interim bosses.

The club have today rewarded the pair for their unbeaten spell at the Valley Parade helm.

The academy duo, who have picked up 10 points from a possible 12, will stay in charge until further notice – and be given the final say on who comes in or goes out next month.

Chief executive Ryan Sparks said: “Mark and Conor have done a tremendous job in turning around our fortunes over the past two weeks.

“It is important they, our supporters and our partners have clarity, and we feel this provides it.

“Mark and Conor fully understand what we are trying to build and are excited about playing a big part in that.

“This is undoubtedly a huge opportunity for them. It is one we feel is dignified and respectful of what they have given us since the middle of December.

“They have improved our position, and we have taken steps to improve theirs - ensuring their futures are secure.

“Going into January, alongside our relatively-new recruitment department, Mark and Conor have our full support.

“They will have the final say on who comes and goes at the Utilita Energy Stadium and have important resources at their disposal.

“I know the support they have had from our fans has meant a great deal to them. There is a huge sense of pride among us all at the moment, and I know they are looking to pick up where they left off, on Boxing Day, tomorrow evening.”

City go into the Port Vale game having won their last three to pull clear of immediate danger at the bottom of League Two.

The stand-in bosses have proved very popular with the players as much as supporters.

Trueman said: “We are very pleased that Ryan and the board have given us their full backing with this appointment, and the next steps.

“It takes the pressure off us as staff - with regards to no longer adopting a game-by-game approach - and gives us a clearer picture which allows us to focus on the club’s longer-term vision.

“We will continue to try and improve this group of players and, hopefully, keep the positive results coming.

“We know there will be ups and downs, but all we can do is prepare the team as much as possible to keep producing the level of performances and results they have been over the past two weeks.

“The January transfer window is just around the corner, and a great deal of work to further strengthen our squad has already taken place - and will continue to do so.

“The support both Conor and I have received from the supporters since taking charge has been deeply humbling.

“We are committed to ensuring the fans have plenty more to cheer about, over the coming months.”

Sellars, who is four years younger at 28, added: “We are absolutely delighted to have been given the opportunity to continue leading the first team, and are very thankful to Ryan and the board for presenting it.

“We now look forward to putting a string of games together - to prepare for upcoming fixtures and get even more work into the players.

“Hopefully, the supporters can keep getting behind their team. We are looking forward to working to keep both the performances and results going.

“While we have enjoyed our start to life in a first-team environment, we have to be mindful that this will be a long season, and one which we are keen to tackle with everything we have.”

As reported in the Telegraph & Argus, experienced former Scunthorpe head of recruitment Lee Turnbull's appointment at the club is set to be officially announced shortly.