Swindon chairman: I won't be chasing Holloway as new boss

Swindon Town chairman Andrew Fitton began the search for a successor to departed boss Maurice Malpas last night but warned: "I won't be chasing Ian Holloway."

The club already has a list of potential candidates drawn up after agreeing a deal to relieve Malpas of his duties yesterday.

Chairman Fitton, however, hinted that Holloway was not on that list and would have to make his intentions known by applying for the vacant position.

Fitton said: "If Ian Holloway wants to talk to us then I am sure that he will – but I will not be chasing him.

"If he wants to apply for the job, I will see him and respect him just like any other candidate. If he doesn't apply for the job, then I will assume that he doesn't want it."

Fitton insisted that no decisions had been made on a potential successor before Malpas cleared his desk yesterday morning and he added: "We have not spoken to anybody yet, but I don't expect it to be a long process. It is an interesting time because there are a number of good managers with proven records available at the moment.

"Do we have a list of people we would like to talk to? Yes, we do.

"One of the problems is that some of the people you want to speak to do not apply so we will be sounding out potential candidates.

"There are a few people looking for jobs and it is surprising that one or two of them are still available."

Assistant manager David Byrne has been put in temporary charge and could take care of team affairs for a number of "weeks", but is unlikely to land the role on a permanent basis.

"I have a lot of time for Dave and think he did a good job the last time he took care of the side," Fitton added.

"There is always a chance (that Byrne could land the job), but history suggests that caretakers don't usually end up becoming full-time managers and I would agree with that.

"We are not under any pressure to make a quick appointment and it is more important to make sure we find the right person."