KEN Anderson claims Wanderers have sniffed out some “big names” in their managerial chase.

The field has now been narrowed down considerably with Nigel Adkins, Steve Cotterill and Chris Powell holding official interviews on Monday.

But the Whites co-owner has revealed some of the near-misses in the club’s search to find a permanent successor to Neil Lennon.

One coach – who will be in the dugout at this summer’s European Championships – has asked to be kept abreast of future developments at the Macron Stadium.

Gareth Southgate, the England Under-21 boss, declined a role to concentrate on his work at the FA.

And ex-Swansea City man Garry Monk was also offered the opportunity to interview, turning it down to pursue other vacant positions.

“We have looked at a very high standard of manager,” he said. “It has been a very tough task whittling them down.

“Even after speaking with three people on Monday I have been contacted by another two managers who I feel would be worthy of consideration.

“Putting my head down on the pillow last night my head was spinning. I started wondering whether I’d created more questions than answers.

“It may be that we speak to a couple more. I would like to have appointed someone by the end of the week but I think it’s more important we make doubly sure we get the right person.”

The three men who have certainly been considered are Adkins, the former Sheffield United boss who has won promotion from League One with Scunthorpe United and Southampton, Steve Cotterill who guided Bristol City to the Championship last year, and Powell, who took Charlton Athletic up in 2012.