CHAIRMAN Richard Millbery says he has been impressed by the standard of applicants as Bashley close in on selecting a new manager.

Millbery confirmed that the Bash hierarchy met on Monday evening to discuss the 12 applicants for the vacancy.

Bash are searching for a replacement for Steve Riley after the long-serving boss left the club by mutual agreement before taking charge at AFC Totton.

Millbery told the Daily Echo: “There were 12 applications and we sat down on Monday night and went through all the people and their CVs. We are preparing a shortlist.

“We have been very impressed by the standard of applicants.”

Millbery politely declined to reveal the identity of any of the candidates to take over at the Southern League Premier Division outfit.

Former Havant & Waterlooville boss Shaun Gale is understood to have contacted Bashley, while speculation on the non-league circuit claims Barry Blankley could be interested in a return to the club he used to manage.

Echo sources suggest ex-Salisbury City manager Nick Holmes and former Winchester City boss Andy Leader could also be in the frame.

Rumours have also linked Brackley Town boss Jon Brady, who guided the Saints to Southern Premier glory last term, with a shock switch to Bash.

Meanwhile, Christchurch manager Graham Kemp is now understood to be an outsider.