MACCA AND KEV BATTLE FOR JOB AT PORT

FORMER Chester manager Jon McCarthy could be in line for a quick return to football at Southport.

But the 47-year-old, who was sacked as Blues boss last month, faces stiff competition from former England striker Kevin Davies, who is also said to be interested in taking over at Haig Avenue.

The Sandgrounders, looking for their 11th manager in four years, have been managerless since parting company with Alan Lewer and former Chester chief Mark Wright on September 26 following a horror run of four straight defeats in National League North.

Both McCarthy and former Bolton Wanderers striker Davies were present to watch the Sandgrounders fall to a late 2-1 home defeat against Spennymoor Town last Saturday.

They are understood to be fronting a six-man list for the permanent job, while former Workington and Barrow boss Darren Edmondson is another in the frame.

Meanwhile, Southport’s league rivals Darlington have also started the interviewing process as they seek a permanent successor to Martin Gray, who left the Quakers to take over at York City last week.

Darlo have whittled over 40 applications for the post down to a shortlist of seven with a view to unveiling the new man in charge at Blackwell Meadows this week.

Chief executive David Johnston will be leading the interview process along with club director John Tempest and Joanne Cameron, vice-chair of the Darlington FC Supporters Group.

“We’ve got a very strong shortlist,” Johnston said. “It includes people with Football League, National League and local league experience. We’re looking forward to the process.

“We’ve got people who have operated at different levels. We’re looking for someone who understands what it is to manage Darlington Football Club.

“We’re keen they understand there’s budget requirements to work within. It’s a fan-owned club; we want to ensure the people we bring to the table are of the right characteristics and have a good track record.”