AFC Telford United begin assessing options as Gavin Cowan emerges as a candidate
AFC Telford United will today begin interviewing candidates for the vacant managerial role – with coach Gavin Cowan ready to take his first steps into management.
The former defender has thrown his hat into the race to replace Rob Edwards at the helm of the New Bucks Head.
The 36-year-old has been first-team coach with the Bucks under both Rob Smith and Edwards for the previous two seasons.
AFC Telford have received 12 or 13 applications for the role. They are hoping to appoint as soon as possible but are also willing to take that bit extra time to ensure the correct decision is made.
The club are confident that there has been some quality candidates amid the dozen interested parties.
It is also understood that Edwards' assistant and Telford favourite Sean Parrish has returned to Wolves, alongside goalkeeping coach Aled Williams, contrary to suggestions they remain at New Bucks Head.
German-born Cowan, a key defender in Smith's first Telford reign, played for the Bucks between 2008 and 2010.
The former Shrewsbury Town stopper also runs football youth coaching business Crossbar Coaching. He has not managed at senior level, but is ready to take the step from the backroom staff.
He is expected to go up against candidates such as Marcus Bignot, Craig Harrison, Neil Kitching and John Psaras for the role as the Bucks again prepare another rebuild.
Former Telford player Bignot, 43, enjoyed National League North success at the helm of Solihull Moors before spending time with Grimsby Town in League Two, where he replaced Shrewsbury-bound Paul Hurst.
Harrison spent six seasons with Welsh Premier outfit TNS, where he won six successive titles, before a short spell with National League Hartlepool.
Kitching is experienced in the division below Telford's and this summer left Stafford Rangers, where he won a league title and cups.
Former Bucks interim boss Psaras lead the Bucks for nine games in 2013.
Telford have scrapped with National League North relegation for the last three seasons.
Major changes last summer saw Smith and Larry Chambers depart with Edwards and other Wolves staff joining the Bucks. After a further battle with the drop, Edwards eventually steered the club to safety.
But news of Edwards leaving rocked the New Bucks Head last week.
