Herne Bay are stepping up their search for a new manager.

They received 26 applications for the job of replacing Sam Denly at Winch’s Field, ahead of last Friday’s deadline.

The football committee then met for more than two hours on Tuesday night and drew up a shortlist of nine.

Interviews start this weekend, with Bay hoping to make an announcement by the middle of next week.

Club secretary John Bathurst said: “We were pleasantly surprised by the response, and look forward to hearing what they have to say.

“Whoever is appointed will be working with a tight budget and looks set to have to create a new team.”

He added: “We hear that Liam Quinn and Jack Delo are both retiring and Gary Sayer is considering whether to continue playing.

“The Turner twins, James and Michael are also apparently thinking of only playing on Sundays.”

Last season’s top scorer Mark Lovell is one Bay player who could also attract interest from other clubs.