BURY FC's board of directors have drawn up a shortlist of candidates for the vacant manager's position.

The club have received more than 30 applications and expressions of interest since Graham Barrow was dismissed.

While they are keeping the identity of the people in the frame a closely guarded secret, the board have admitted that caretaker-boss Casper won't be overlooked before the final decision is made.

"The list comprises experienced managers with undoubted credentials to younger people employed with other clubs, eager to be given the chance to prove themselves," said director in charge of footballing affairs, Ian Harrop.

"Chris Casper, the current caretaker manager, has also indicated that he wants to apply for the job and will be given due consideration.

"The club have every confidence in Chris, which will assist the directors to take the time that is needed to make the right decision for the benefit of the football club.

"A shortlist has been drawn up and the interview process will begin shortly.

"We would ask all our supporters to get fully behind Chris and the squad, and together we are sure on-field performances will improve."

That improvement began on Tuesday evening and earned an encouraging 1-0 victory over Bristol City at Gigg Lane but could even be said to have stretched back to half-time at Oxford on Saturday.

There were no shortage of potential candidates in the stands on Tuesday night with former Reading, Swindon Town and Shrewsbury manager Jimmy Quinn; former Bury players Paul Hilton and Peter Farrell, top drawer youth coaches at Ipswich Town and Bolton Wanderers respectively and the highly-rated Steve Burr and David Moss combination from Northwich Victoria among the crowd.

Another candidate believed to be keen in getting his feet under the manager's desk is former Republic of Ireland international John Sheridan.

He currently works on the Oldham Athletic coaching staff and has been successful in helping bring through a number of good young players at Boundary Park.

Further high-profile names are ex-Northern Ireland boss Sammy McIlroy, former England star Graham Rix while ex-Preston, Lincoln City and Cambridge United boss John Beck is also interested.

There has even been continental interest in the shape of Italian coach Roberto Landi.

He has managed the Lithuania national team as well as Serie A outfit Messina FC.

A decision is unlikely to be made ahead of Saturday's home clash against Lincoln City which gives Casper another chance to stake his claim.