Mr Bond, who is working alongside the caretaking team of captain Eddie Bishop and former Assistant Manager Rob Brown, said: "I have had almost 30 applicants for the job. I am in no rush, I shall spend the next few weeks processing all the applications."

Some of the names linked with the job include former Blackburn boss Dave Mackay, Brian Kettle, Nigel Gleghorn, Winsford captain Mark Came and former Witon managers John Bingham and Nigel Deeley.

The roles of Eddie Bishop and Rob Brown were clarifed in a meeting between the trio last week.

Bond revealed: "Eddie said to me last week that I seem to be getting my enthusiasm back for running team matters, but I am just helping them along at the moment and using some of my old friends to try and bring in some new players."

Darren Twigg chose to move to Newcastle Town in the North West Counties last week. Almost immediately a possible replacement was drafted in with the arrival of 23-year-old Ghanaian born David Anane from Altrincham.

Full-back Lee Anderson from Stalybridge was due to play in last night's cup match, along with a young striker on loan from Crewe.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.