DEFIANT chairman Chris Reynolds expects to fill the Stourport Swifts managerial hot-seat by early next week after a host of applications.

Reynolds was delighted with the amount of interest in the vacancy after management team Rod Brown and Gary Whild revealed they were leaving for Redditch United.

And the long-serving Swifts man, who has warned cost will be a major factor in the final appointment, believes the club will bounce back stronger for the changes.

Successful Brown guided Swifts through the West Midlands League and Midland Alliance to a strong Dr Martens Western Division position.

But he needed a new challenge and admitted struggling rivals Redditch were more primed for the Premier Division if he could turn their fortunes around.

A Brown swoop for Swifts' Brendan Hackett proved unsuccessful and the experienced player is now vying for the job after being made caretaker manager at Walshes Meadow.

However, rumours suggest Hackett could face stiff competition from the likes of ex-Bilston boss Joe Jackson, former Redditch managers Rob Smith and Paul Hendrie, Bromsgrove's Steve Daniels and Bridgnorth coach Steve Daley.

Swifts have not released names of any of the men on their shortlist apart from Hackett.

But they expect to make their decision in time for next Saturday's FA Trophy home clash with Bishop Auckland.

Reynolds admitted: "Brendan staying has been very good really. It's steadied the ship.

"The players wanted him to stay because they wanted things the way they were for now. He will be taking team affairs on Saturday.

"He has applied for the job and, from what I gather, he had no intention of going to Redditch United."

Swifts recovered with a 1-1 weekend draw at home to Bedworth and a 5-0 Worcester Royal Infirmary Cup win over Bromyard.

They travel to Atherstone on Saturday (3pm) and have a big home derby match with Halesowen Town on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Reynolds added: "The interest has obviously slowed down a bit bearing in mind we haven't advertised the position.

"I'm impressed by the people who have applied. But there are lots of things to take into consideration, including cost because we are not a rich club.

"Unfortunately, it comes down to money at the end of the day."

Meanwhile, Brown maintained Swifts were a club close to his heart and that he had left them in a great position.

He said: "I feel I've taken Stourport as far as I can on the football side. But I love the place to bits and have had five great years there.

"I've created a squad of players that won't get relegated this season. They should finish in the top 10.

"The club has a profile now where they will get a good applicant who can try and move them onto the next stage.

"It's been fantastic at Stourport and I'd like to thank all the supporters and also the staff there.

"I remember my interview five years ago and thinking: 'Who are Stourport?' But they convinced me they had aspirations to play in the Dr Martens League.

"To be able to realise that in five seasons and put a side together that has been in the top three of the Western Division this year has been a great experience."

Reynolds insisted: "Rod and Gary have done a good job and we wish them the best.

"But we will come out of this a stronger club. No-one is bigger than Stourport Swifts. We are in a great position now."