WITH Steve Price announcing the upcoming season will be his last at Warrington Wolves, attention now turns to who will replace him from next year.

The task of appointing a new head coach starts now, according to chairman Stuart Middleton who says the process will be 'thorough'

> Live reaction to Steve Price's departure from Warrington Wolves

With the financial power to pique the interests of some of the world's top coaches, The Wire look set to cast the net wide.

Here, we look at five potential candidates for the job...

SHAUN WANE

WHEN news of Price's decision to leave broke earlier this evening, many Wire fans were quick to express a desire for Wane to be his replacement.

He is currently tied up in his role as England head coach and he is preparing for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup on home soil.

However, he has made no secret of his desire to return to club management after the tournament - will Warrington offer him that chance?

He is a proven winner having triumphed in three Grand Finals as Wigan Warriors head coach - all at The Wire's expense in 2013, 2016 and 2018.

What is for sure is that candidates do not come much better qualified...

Warrington Guardian:

There has been plenty of support for England coach Shaun Wane among Wire fans. Picture by SWPix.com

CRAIG BELLAMY

The dream choice of many given his dynasty of success with Melbourne Storm in the NRL.

He has won six Premierships down under with the Storm and is widely regarded as being among the greatest coaches in NRL history.

It is thought 2021 will be his last year with Melbourne, so could a challenge on the other side of the world interest him?

Warrington Guardian:

Craig Bellamy is the dream choice of many a Wire fan. Picture by SWPix.com

BRIAN MCDERMOTT

Another with a proven pedigree on these shores having won it all in charge of an all-conquering Leeds Rhinos side.

With three Super League titles under his belt, he certainly knows how to win the trophy that has proved elusive for Warrington thus far.

Officially, he remains head coach of Toronto Wolfpack, but whether they will return having been voted out of Super League last year remains uncertain.

Could Wire offer him a route back into the top flight?

Warrington Guardian:

Brian McDermott won three Grand Finals with Leeds Rhinos. Picture by SWPix.com

SHANE FLANAGAN

Steve Price arrived at Warrington having served as an assistant coach under Flanagan at Cronulla Sharks, with whom he won an NRL Premiership in 2016.

He is currently not allowed to hold a head coaching role in Australia's top flight due to breaching a suspension in 2014 - he is currently an assistant coach at St George Illawarra.

Would he be tempted by an offer of a head coach's position in England?

DARYL POWELL

Powell has many admirers due to the job he has done in charge of Castleford Tigers.

He has taken them from also-rans to contenders since taking over in 2013, winning the League Leaders' Shield in swashbuckling fashion in 2017 before falling in the Grand Final to Leeds Rhinos.

His teams are known for the attacking brand of rugby Wire fans crave, so could he be open to a change of scenery?

Warrington Guardian:

Daryl Powell has been in charge of Castleford Tigers since 2013. Picture by SWpix.com