THE race for the vacant manager's position at Stockport County is sure to be an interesting one, with a plethora of different names being bandied about this week.

Some have come out publicly stating that they've applied for Sammy McIlroy's old job, while some names appear to have simply been plucked out of the air. The Express conducted a poll on this website and judging by the results the overwhelming early favourite amongst the fans is ex-boss Dave Jones.

Jones is out of work at present having recently been sacked by Wolves, but he's certainly not been forgotten by the County faithful, some of whom were chanting his name at last weekend's home game against Walsall.

Although only in charge at County for just over two years, he guided the club to promotion and the last four of the League Cup in the 1990s.

He polled 70 per cent of our votes, while next up was Carlton Palmer with 11 per cent. Macc Town boss Brian Horton polled eight per cent of our vote, caretaker boss Mark Lillis secured six per cent, with Steve McMahon polling just three per cent.

There's not just those five though. Emerging as strong candidates this week have been former County heroes Jim Gannon, Andy Mutch, Brett Angell and Andy Preece.

Gannon was at County's match on Saturday and received a rapturous welcome at half-time, and these days is the manager at League of Ireland side Dundalk.

He made almost 500 appearances for the Hatters throughout the successful 1990s, and although he stopped short of confirming whether he had applied on Saturday, Gannon told the Express: "I think I'd fit the bill, but for now it's just a lovely compliment as a coach and as a man to be linked with the County manager's job.

"I've got my UEFA A coaching license and I believe I've still got a strong affiliation with the fans."

Andy Mutch set tongues wagging yesterday [Tues] when he quit as assistant boss at Conference side Morecambe, he is still fondly remembered by County fans and has been cutting his coaching teeth impressively in the lower leagues.

Former Hatters hot-shot Brett Angell was one of the first to come out publicly and say he wanted the County job, he is keen to get into management and is currently working with Bolton's academy sides and Welsh juniors.

Andy Preece, meanwhile, has just had four years in charge at Bury and again is anxious to return to management soon.

Brian Horton and ex-Blackpool and Swindon boss Steve McMahon seem to have been the favourites among the national press.

Horton is based locally, he's doing a great job at Macclesfield Town, but when the Express tried to contact the Moss Rose club, chairman Rob Bickerton refused to comment.

Forty-year-old Peter Ward may be in with a shout having done so well lately with the kids at County, while current caretaker boss Mark Lillis simply cannot be ruled out.

He told the Express last night: "I've been told to put my CV in.

"However, I'm just knuckling down at the moment, just trying to do the best I can for Stockport County."

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