WANDERERS hope to have a new manager in place by the time they host Birmingham City after the international break.

The club had already received a dozen serious applications from quality candidates by yesterday afternoon but begin the recruitment process in earnest this morning to find Dougie Freedman’s successor.

They do so in the light of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat against Bournemouth at the Macron Stadium that left them bottom in the Championship and five points adrift of safety.

But even with the process at an embryonic stage, the calibre of managers interested in the role is thought to be high.

It is understood that established names such as Malky Mackay, Tony Mowbray and Dave Jones have already thrown their hat into the ring.

Wanderers are basing their search on a number of criteria, weighing up the need for a manager with experience of the Championship against someone with the knowledge of the club and its particular nuances.

Finances will also play a major part with any prospective manager unlikely to be given much wiggle room in the transfer market.

That could also count against pursuing a manager already in a post – although the club are keeping all options open for now.

Bookmakers continue to make ex-Wanderers skipper Phil Brown favourite, with the Southend boss doing a fine job in League Two.

The charismatic 55-year-old would be a popular choice among fans because of his roots in the town, however, he has been overlooked for the post before.

Another home favourite, Jimmy Phillips, was present in the directors’ box on Saturday.

Under-18s assistant coach Andy Hughes and goalkeeping coach Lee Turner oversaw Saturday’s defeat and will hold the fort until a new management team is installed.

The players return to training on Tuesday and Hughes is making plans to keep things ticking over at Euxton in the meantime.

The 36-year-old former Leeds United, Charlton and Reading midfielder wants to complete the final year of his playing contract before looking towards coaching full-time but cajoled a significantly improved performance from the Whites despite their defeat.

“Whoever comes in here will be an extremely lucky man,” he said.

“If I was a high-class manager with this facility, the training ground, the academy, the town, the fans, I would be chomping at the bit to get the job.

“Not that I'm after the job. I'm just an old player coming to the end of my career. I'm learning to be a coach but it is a wonderful opportunity. If whoever comes in still wants my help as a senior player then I’d be honoured to help.”

One of the early names in the frame was Bury boss David Flitcroft but the Bolton-born coach has said his loyalties lie at the JD Stadium.

“I have got a project here and it’s one I enjoy being a part of,” he told The Bolton News.