Bunn tops list

Warren Feeney - among front runners for vacant post

FRANK Bunn remains the bookies' favourite to be handed the managerial reins at Athletic.

The 53-year-old, who is currently coaching with Huddersfield Town's under-21s, is priced as the 11-8 front-runner in the betting market.

Former Athletic striker Bunn is ahead of Newport County manager Warren Feeney ­- who was, ironically, the successor to John Sheridan at Rodney Parade after stepping up from the assistant role.

Feeney (35), who is priced at 9-4, is a former player with Athletic and also has experience as a manager in his Northern Ireland homeland with Linfield.

Athletic's current assistant manager Peter Shirtliff (5-1) is next in the betting, with no confirmation as yet as to whether he wants to stay on at the club for next season.

Shirtliff, brought in by his former Sheffield Wednesday colleague Sheridan to positive effect, has served as a manager before at Mansfield and on a caretaker basis with Bury.

Athletic have fielded plenty of applications already, including two from men who have experience within the Premier League.

Wing legend Rick Holden has revealed on social media his intention to throw his hat into the ring and the same is true of former Sheffield United midfielder Curtis Woodhouse, who openly stated he has applied for the role.

Athletic will want the process concluded soon in order that the new man at the helm can start to build a squad for 2016-17.

Joel Coleman, Liam Kelly, Connor Brown, Rhys Murphy and Jake Cassidy are the only seasoned professionals on the club's books.