Star name expected to be named Forest Green boss (From Stroud News and Journal)

Star name expected to be named Forest Green boss

STEVE Claridge, Paul Warhurst and Jimmy Quinn are amongst a heavyweight role call of big name candidates that are being touted for the vacant management crown at The Lawn after Alan Lewer's brief tenure was ended before relegated Rovers' final Conference game of the season on Saturday.

Rovers chairman Trevor Horsley confirmed Lewer's departure after his board met on Saturday morning to inform Lewer before the 2-2 draw with Canvey Island.

"We've agreed by mutual consent to cancel his contract with immediate effect, so today was his last game," said Horsley.

Rovers' top brass will be acutely aware that the anointing of a new manager will now have to be the correct one as they begin their search for their sixth manager in six years.

However any white smoke will be held back as the director's preside over the right choice.

With the club intending to remain a full-time outfit and with a move to a new stadium in 2006, bouncing back to the Conference is a must and this time the next incumbent of the Lawn hot seat has to be the right one.

"I'm not saying we made a mistake in appointing him. Alan has given us 100 per cent, but for various reasons it hasn't worked out," Horsley added.

Rovers could yet remain in the Conference if Northwich Victoria or Gravesend and Northfleet fail their forthcoming stadium inspections.

"If we get a lifeline, we'll grab it with both hands," said Horsley.

Lewer, who replaced Tim Harris after just seven games, when Rovers did not have a point, certainly improved things somewhat, but in the end 33 points and just one win since Boxing Day was insufficient to save his side from the drop.

A passionate man, Lewer led with his heart rather than his head and this certainly proved detrimental to his cause as he clearly lost the respect of the fans.

However, to his credit he faced the media after presiding over his side for the last time on Saturday.

"Obviously the club want a clean, fresh start and I've no problem with that at all," said Lewer.

The former Forest Green boss felt he had given the club a solid foundation and had been looking to be involved in the switch to full-time status in July.

"If I was still here, I would have added six players to the squad. If we were in the Conference with those six we'd have finished in the top half of the table."

Rovers used 42 players in league games and are currently left with just seven contracted players for next season in Matt Gadsby, Richie Appleby, Mark Danks, Tom Gould, Mark Beesley, Darren Davies and Damon Searle.

The search begins in earnest and Claridge is clearly a firm favourite. The former Leicester City striker almost joined Rovers as a player this season before accepting an offer from Brighton.

A former manager of Weymouth, Claridge exudes qualities of commitment, man-management and forward nous.

He will however, be challenged by Warhurst, who has impressed many since joining the club.

Former Swindon Town boss Jimmy Quinn will also come into the melting pot.

And former Cheltenham Town boss Graham Allner would be seen as an attractive alternative after working well with current Rovers coach Mike Davis at Whaddon Road.