Mansfield Town closing in on next manager . . . and he could be in place for the weekend

Former Burton Albion boss Nigel Clough is the bookies favourite to replace Graham Coughlan. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Mansfield Town could announce their new manager in time for Saturday’s FA Cup first round tie at Sunderland, Chad understands.

It is believed that the club’s chief executive David Sharpe is in the final stages of the interview process and is expected to be in a position to recommend his choice to owners John and Carolyn Radford later this week.

Mr. Sharpe has been tasked with recruiting the Stags’ new boss, following Graham Coughlan’s departure as manager on 27 October following a winless start to the season.

Sharpe has an excellent record of appointments at his previous club Wigan Athletic, where the club won two League One promotions under his reign as executive chairman.