THE race to be the next Bromsgrove Rovers boss is thundering along at a frenetic pace.

Early contender Paul Madders, a former manager of Bloxwich Town and Paget Rangers and current fitness coach at Rovers, has maintained his form to stay in the running.

Alongside Madders comes former boss Bob Green, whose track record keeps him at the front of the pack.

Bolting into contention follows ex-Halesowen Town chief John Chambers, while former Stourbridge boss Steve Daniels -- presently a scout with Crystal Palace -- has tossed his hat into the ring.

Outside bets are Stourport Swifts manager Rod Brown, and Kevin Hadley, who has recently left Willenhall Town, while former Moor Green player John Sheay has declared his interest.

But chief executive Pat Bannister will choose carefully before naming his man.

He has Eric McManus in charge of team affairs for the time being after the former Notts County goalkeeper was given permission by Derby County, where he is director of recruitment, to help out.

Bannister explai-ned: "We've got a board meeting on Thursday night where one of the issues to be discussed will be the manager's job.

"We'll draw up a shortlist of six and whittle that down to three with interviews starting next week. I'm hoping to have a new man in place in approximately two weeks time."

Talks continue, meanwhile, over his fresh offer to buy the shares of former chairman Stuart Arnold.

On the pitch, Bannister has stepped up his efforts to turn the Rovers squad into a Dr Martens tour-de-force.

The Rovers supremo has already given seven days' notice for Gresley Rovers hot-shot Simon Tucker and Stourport Swifts goal-ace Matt Southwick, who bagged a brace against Rovers last Tuesday.

Former Rovers striker Richard Ball could soon be winging his way back to the Victoria Ground after he completed a suspension with his present club, Gornal Athletic.

Halesowen Town striker Gary Piggott is another target while Paul Madders brought three players from his non-league contact book along to last night's FA Umbro Trophy round one replay with Droylsden.

One of these was Paget Rangers goalkeeper Neil Olden, providing even more competition to Nore Gabbidon for the number one jersey.

This comes after Burton Albion's Mark Jones joined Rovers last week and is still waiting for the chance to start his Bromsgrove career between the sticks.

Bannister is also due for talks with Burton boss Nigel Clough on Friday about the prospect of Albion's players joining on both permanent and loan deals.

But Bannister's interest in Michael Griffths has cooled.

The former Worcester City and Torquay United striker is out of Rovers' price range and Bannsister confirmed their interest in him is dead.

As for the injury list, Scott Gennard, Lee Millard and Ian Cooksey are all still crocked.