Chronicle reporter Dave Powell believes that the new manager could be unveiled as early as tomorrow (Tuesday) as interviews were completed last week with the club whittling down their shortlist to just two names as former Leeds United manager Neil Redfearn, ex-Boston United and Mansfield Town manager Adam Murray and former Chester defender and Assistant Manager Ian Sharps head the betting with odds compiler BetVictor.
The Blues, who have been searching for a successor since Marcus Bignot's sacking as manager earlier this month, received over eighty applications for the position and are believed to have conducted interviews over the weekend although no deal has yet been formalised though an announcement is expected tomorrow should negotiations be completed in time.
Sharps, a former defender who joined the club under former manager Jon Whitney, has received plenty of criticism over recent weeks and months as the Saddlers'backline failed to improve as the team slipped further and further down the League One table.
The Warrington-born 37-year-old had made no secret of his desire to remain at the club under new manager Dean Keates but - as with Keates - may well be swayed by the opportunity to return to a former club as they look to stabilise before next season's lower-league campaign.