AFC TOTTON plan to name their new manager in the next 48 hours.

Vice-chairman Roy Edwards has confirmed that three interviews took place the week before last and the successful candidate should be revealed by the end of the week.

Speculation has surrounded a host of local names – among them Gosport’s Alex Pike, former Dorchester boss Phil Simkin, ex-Winchester manager Paul Masters and ex-Alton man Michael Charles – but Edwards was giving nothing away.

Speaking this morning, he said: “At this stage I don’t want to say anything because it would be unfair on the people I’ve seen.

“As long as myself and Andy (Straker, chairman) agree on everything that's been put to us, we’re looking at the end of the week at the latest.

“We’ve got no game until November 5 (Bridgwater at home) and, in an ideal world, we’ll tie things up so that the new manager is here for Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday training.”

With chairman Straker still unwell, it was Edwards who conducted the interviews. “It’s awkward with Andy in hospital, but I’m working in tandem with him,” he said.

Totton remain third-to-bottom of the Southern One South & West after last night's galling 3-2 defeat at Didcot.

In the absence of caretaker boss Andy Darnton, hard-working clubman Wayne Mew again took temporary charge having overseen Saturday's home win over Slimbridge at the Testwood Stadium.

“Wayne’s doing an absolutely cracking job, right through from the youth bits to being in charge of the first team," said Edwards.

“He’s a fantastic guy. Without Wayne and others like him behind the scenes, my job and Andy’s would be a lot harder.”

*AFC Totton are staging their annual Firework Night Spectacular next Friday (November 4), sponsored by Totton College.

Gates will open at 6pm with the fireworks set off from 7.30-8pm There will be live music from tribute band Abba’s Angels in the Monarch Suite, a small funfair and hot food available.

Tickets, priced £5 adults, £3 under-16s or £14 per family (two adults, two children), are available in advance from the Testwood Stadium or by emailing chairman@afctotton.com

Those attending the fireworks will be entered into a draw for a chance to win £100.