Red-hot favourite for the vacant Wisbech Town's manager's post, John Chand, has become the latest name to rule himself out of the running.

The former Holbeach United boss was thought to have been recommended to the Fenmen's board by departing legend Steve Appleby after he ended his memorable 1,282-day reign at the club last week.

But Chand – who is out of a job after quitting the Tigers following a sensational United Counties League (UCL) Premier Division title win last term – insists he isn't ready to return to the non-league game.

The well-respected gaffer, expected by many to step into the hot seat, said: 'Work (estate agent) is manic and with a five-week old child it's just too much for me at present to commit to.

'I'm flattered to be linked with the job but I'm not ready to get back into football just yet.'

Chand joins King's Lynn Town coach Ross McNeil, Fenmen captain Paul Cousins and stand-in manager Dick Creasey in declaring they have no interest in replacing Appleby on a full-time basis.

Ex-boss Creasey, Cousins and his fellow team-mate Scott Johnson will manage Wisbech again at the weekend as the club's hierarchy continue their search.

Vice-chairman David 'Snips' Parsons also confirmed that a 'number of applicants' had expressed an interest in the role and that chairman Barry Carter hoped to have a new man in charge in time for their home UCL game against Yaxley on Saturday, September 21.

Parsons said: 'Dick has been brilliant. I can't thank him enough for stepping in. You could not find a better manager than him.

'We've asked him about the job but he says he is not interested. However, he is helping us with our search. We expect to interview three to four managers early next week and aim to have appointed somebody before Yaxley visit us next Saturday.'