Player pursuit is top priority

TOFFEE MAN NOW . . . young Athletic goalkeeper Chris Renshaw has completed his move to Premier League Everton

ATHLETIC'S manager-in-waiting will soon embark on a player hunt, as moves to finalise arrangements on his contract approach a conclusion.

Steve Evans has been strongly linked with the vacant hot-seat at the club and ­- provided everything goes to plan over the coming hours ­- is expected to be handed the role when the necessary paperwork has been put into place.

The ex-Crawley, Rotherham and Leeds boss has been identified from a crowded field of would-be bosses as the man Athletic want to take them forward with confidence into the 2016-17 campaign.

If Evans accepts the job, he is likely to bring with him Paul Raynor, his assistant and close confidant who worked alongside him as assistant manager at Boston United, Crawley, Rotherham and Leeds.

Controversial owner Massimo Cellino opted to sack Evans and Raynor despite indicating the pair would be handed new deals if they prevented Leeds from being relegated out of the Championship.

The pair left Elland Road late last month, but are now set to take on the challenge of lifting Athletic's fortunes.

Supporters have aired concerns over the direction of the club in recent weeks, following John Sheridan's departure in favour of a job at Notts County in League Two and the loss of goalkeeper Joel Coleman to Huddersfield.

Chris Renshaw has also completed a move to Premier League club Everton, first revealed in the Chronicle, on a three-year contract after a fee was negotiated between the clubs for the 18-year-old goalkeeper.

But if Evans is confirmed, many supporters would see it as a positive sign that the club can potentially makes moves towards the top end of the table next term.

Once installed, the 53-year-old Scot's first task could be to help make a decision on the future of skipper Liam Kelly.

The 26-year-old had a medical at Leyton Orient late last week on his return from holiday, but has not yet completed a move to the League Two club.

Including Kelly ­- who still has a year to run on his contract ­- Athletic have seven senior professionals on the books for next season, in addition to the trio of Jamie Stott, Kallum Mantack and Lee Knight, who have been offered terms for the first time.

It follows that whoever comes in to the manager's office at SportsDirect.com Park, there will be a heavy period of activity to build a squad ahead of a pre-season programme that as it stands kicks off with a home friendly against Huddersfield on July 16.

Stuart McCall, who was of interest to Athletic, has signed a two-year deal to become manager back at his old club Bradford City.

It is McCall's second spell as boss at Valley Parade, where he also enjoyed two stints as a player.

Elsewhere in League One, Port Vale have announced Bruno Ribeiro is to become their new manager.