FORMER Reading and Swindon boss Jimmy Quinn has applied for the York City managerial vacancy following Martin Foyle’s surprise resignation.

Foyle’s assistant Andy Porter and under-18 coach Steve Torpey will take charge of first-team affairs for today’s trip to Tamworth and Monday night’s home match with Darlington, but Quinn is keen to become the club’s next permanent appointment.

The ex-Northern Ireland international helped Shrewsbury Town bounce back to the Football League at the first attempt after taking charge of the Shropshire club for the 2003/4 season.

He also guided Cambridge United to the Blue Square Premier play-off final two years ago only to be defeated at Wembley by Exeter.

In an exclusive interview with The Press, the former West Ham and Blackburn striker, 50, reckons he could transform 15th-placed City into top-five challengers again.

Quinn said: “Because of what I have done in the past with Cambridge and Shrewsbury, I see York as one of those clubs that I could get going again and help them back to their glory days. When I took over at Cambridge, the club were near the bottom of the table, I kept them up and then the following season we finished second.

“I left in the summer but, when the team reached the play-off final again, that was my team because the new signings like Phil Bolland and Anthony Tonkin were players I recommended to the board before leaving. At Shrewsbury, I had six players when I took over and only two of those were my type of players, but one of my strengths is being able to put a team together.

“I wouldn’t take a job at any club but York City are a very well-run outfit and it is a lovely city, which makes it easier to attract players.”

Quinn would also not be deterred by any financial constraints at Bootham Crescent, having previously worked on shoestring budgets in non-League football.

He added: “I’ve got a lot of contacts and there are plenty of players about at the right price. It’s a matter of knowing where to look and I can use money wisely.

“I had the lowest budget in the league when I was at Northwich but we went to places like Doncaster and Yeovil and won. I know how to put a team together and how to play decent football.

“My sides are also organised and I like my players to believe they can win every game. It’s important not to dwell on defeats.

“I like to see happy people in training so I encourage players as much as I can.

“Without being big-headed, I believe tactically I am as good as you can get at this level.

“I took Reading to the Championship play-off finals in my first job so I feel I am a strong candidate and would be excited by what could be done at York.”

After parting terms with Cambridge in 2008, Quinn lasted just three months at Bournemouth before being placed on gardening leave.

As a result, he has spent much of the last two years fulfilling scouting roles, which has enabled him to stay involved with the non-League game.

“I’ve been doing a lot of scouting in the Conference for Dean Holdsworth at Newport because he can’t get to too many games due to all the travelling,” Quinn revealed. “I’ve been watching a lot of Premier League academy games and Football League matches as well at the likes of Crewe, Leicester and QPR.

“I’m champing at the bit to get back into management now and can’t wait for my next job.”

Quinn already has first-hand experience of working with two current members of the Minstermen’s first-team squad.

He took Michael Rankine to Bournemouth on loan from Rushden and Diamonds, while fellow striker Michael Gash was on Cambridge’s books when Quinn took over at the U’s.

Said Quinn: “Being a former striker, I enjoyed working with them.

“I know Michael Rankine very well and still speak to him. He has the ability to be a Football League player and wants to do well. He also has goals in him.

“When I took over at Cambridge, Michael Gash was probably not quite ready but he went to Cambridge City and Ebbsfleet and has done well. I also know most of the other players and I think it’s a decent squad.”

Currently based in Crewe he would have no objections moving to Yorkshire, negating the problems Staffordshire-based Foyle faced trying to balance family life with work commitments.

“I am single and would not mind moving to York. It’s a great place to live,” Quinn told The Press.