INTERESTED candidates will be interviewed next week for the York City managerial vacancy, including current caretaker chief Sam Collins.

Former Hartlepool and Port Vale defender Collins has been in temporary charge of the Minstermen since being promoted from his role as youth-team manager following the dismissal of Martin Gray following the 1-1 home draw against Curzon Ashton in August.

During five weeks at the helm, Collins has won two, drawn two and lost one of the five fixtures he has overseen, taking five points from a possible 12 in National League North, as well as securing a 5-0 FA Cup second qualifying round victory over North West Counties League minnows Ashton Athletic.

In the league, Blyth Spartans have been beaten 2-0 at Bootham Crescent, either side of draws at Brackley (0-0) and Hereford (1-1), before Kidderminster Harriers secured a 3-0 triumph in North Yorkshire.

Since Gray’s departure, though, it is believed the club have received a regular flow of applications to be considered as a permanent successor and, speaking on behalf of the City board, managing director Steve Kilmartin said: “The board of directors intend to have meetings with a number of interested parties including caretaker-manager Sam Collins next week with a view to appointing a manager.”

It is expected, therefore, that Collins will continue in temporary charge for at least two more fixtures – this weekend’s home match with Guiseley and Tuesday night’s trip to Nuneaton.

St Ives Town, meanwhile, have been confirmed as the Minstermen's FA Cup third qualifying round opponents at Bootham Crescent on Saturday, October 6.

The Cambridgeshire side won their replay at Grantham Town 2-0 thanks to Sam Cartwright and Ollie Snaith goals.