HEREFORD United are on course to name their new manager early next week.

Six candidates were interviewed on Thursday and chairman David Keyte was pleased with the way things went.

He said: “We were very impressed with the field. We know we can get a good manager out of that line-up.

“It’s now down to three, probably two. Now it’s about weighing up the usual strengths and weaknesses.”

The board received more than 40 applications for the job and Keyte admitted before the interviews: “All the ones we are seeing have good experience of the Conference.

“Although there will be three of us on the interview panel, I’m tending personally to favour an experienced hand rather than a young manager.”

Fans’ websites have been busy throwing forward potential candidates since Richard O’Kelly’s exit.

Ex-York City boss Martin Foyle seems to have been attracting support, as has Stalybridge manager and former Bulls midfielder Jimmy Har-vey, who impressed as Morecambe and Forest Green Rovers boss.

Meanwhile, former vice-chairman and company secretary Tim Russon refused to elaborate on his reasons for leaving the Bulls.

His statement said: “Professionally, I have been ill at ease and concerned with some of the decision making and taking which personally has brought me deep unhappiness.”

Russon added: “I don’t want to say any more and people will no doubt read into that what they want.”