SHERIDAN'S FAREWELL

John Sheridan

ATHLETIC'S hunt for a new manager could start today, with John Sheridan's move to Notts County set to go through.

The 51-year-old's controversial exit from the club is expected to be officially confirmed, only five months after he came back to Athletic on what turned out to be a successful relegation rescue mission.

The Chronicle understands that Athletic pulled out the stops in a last-ditch attempt to keep hold of Sheridan, including a pay rise.

However, his mind was already made up to make the move to the Sky Bet League Two club.

Currently under a transfer embargo, the Magpies are nonetheless planning a major push for promotion next season.

Mark Crossley, goalkeeping coach at Chesterfield where he previously worked under Sheridan as part of the coaching staff, has been lined up to become Sheridan's number two at Notts County.

News of the impending switch for the popular boss has been met with dismay by fans ­- and it leaves Athletic's board with the unwanted scenario of searching for yet another manager ­- a sixth in the last 15 months.

With only seven players currently contracted for 2016-17, the next man through what has become a revolving door has plenty of work ahead to build a squad capable of competing in League One.

If Athletic decide to go down the route of stability and experience, Sheridan's current assistant Peter Shirtliff would appear a leading candidate for the top job at SportsDirect.com Park.

The 55-year-old has impressed since coming in as assistant to Sheridan, helping to shore up a defence that had been leaking goals up until the late-season revival that secured safety.

It is understood the Shirtliff, who has a spell as Mansfield and a caretaker stint as Bury boss on his CV, is unlikely to follow Sheridan out of the exit door.

Alternatively, new names who could be in the fray for the vacant top job could include Accrington's John Coleman, ex-Scunthorpe manager Mark Robins and former Leeds boss and club legend Neil Redfearn.

There will also be the inevitable calls for ex-Manchester United legend Paul Scholes to be handed his first chance in management ­if he can be persuaded to take the plunge.

ATHLETIC will find out the exact make-up of League One next season with the play-off finals taking place this weekend.

In the League Two final, AFC Wimbledon battle with Plymouth Argyle, while in League One Millwall meet Barnsley.