Market Drayton Town’s managerial merry-go-round swung into overdrive again yesterday with former Shrewsbury Town and Stoke City striker Andy Cooke being interviewed for the top job while transfer speculation surrounds key players Paul McMullen and Gary Anslow.
Club chairman Alex Mutch issued a short statement after his chat with Drayton-born Cooke: “We have had a discussion but nothing has been concluded at this stage.”
Town’s interest in Cooke must be Shropshire sport’s worst kept secret. He hails from the town, and began his playing days with Market Drayton Tigers.
A return, in the autumn of a career based on distinguished years with Burnley would be real Roy-of-the-Rovers stuff.
His name was frequently in the frame as Town cast about for a manager to replace Simon Line before appointing Lee Roberts, whose term of office ended spectacularly after 13 days amid a touchline row with coach Mick Murphy.
Meanwhile McMullen and Anslow are both wanted by Line, at Hednesford.
But while McMullen is mulling over the move, Murphy announced Anslow has pledged his loyalty to Town.
“I am delighted to say that Gary Anslow has told me he’s staying,” said Murphy.
“He’s been a regular here for seven years as the club has worked up the divisions and he’s told me he wants to continue doing that.”
McMullen had a long chat with club officials after Tuesday night’s 2-1 home win over Belper Town, which took Town to fourth in the table.
Asked if he’d played his last game for Town, he said: “To be honest, it’s touch and go. I’m still thinking about it and will probably continue to do so until talking it over again after training on Thursday night.
“I want to stay at Drayton - I know and like the people here and we’ve had some great seasons together. But at the same time, the chance to prove myself at a higher level with a club like Hednesford is hard to resist.”