Notts County owner and chairman Alan Hardy has provided the following update on his search for the Magpies' next manager.
I would like to begin by thanking everyone who has shown their support following my decision to part company with Harry Kewell earlier this week.
It's great to have the backing of so many loyal, appreciative supporters and their solidarity has only served to spur me on in my search for the right person to take the team forward.
I'm also fortunate to have a number of experienced, knowledgeable people around me who have been hugely helpful in identifying a very promising shortlist of candidates, who I am in the process of interviewing.
It was initially my hope to have a new manager in place by the weekend but that is now looking increasingly unlikely - not due to a lack of exciting options, but due to my heartfelt desire to make the right decision.
Knowing Steve Chettle as I do, I have the utmost confidence in his ability to lead us into this weekend's big game against Cheltenham Town - and beyond, if needs be.
His relationship with the players, knowledge of the game and outstanding temperament are invaluable qualities which give me the breathing space I need to assess my options, safe in the knowledge that first-team affairs are being kept on track.
Make no mistake, I do not want this to drag on. Securing our Sky Bet League Two status is now our primary objective - we have to be realistic and treat our current predicament with the seriousness it warrants.
But a rushed decision is not what we need and I hope you will remain patient with me as I consider all the options available to us.
Our supporters are our biggest driving force and it would be brilliant to see a big crowd at Meadow Lane on Saturday to spur the players on to what would be an invaluable victory.
Let's continue to stick together and, as always, I will update you with any news.
COYP
Alan