FORMER Blackburn Rovers boss Steve Kean is one of the more surprising names making the early running to fill the vacant manager’s job at Bury.

The Scot has not worked in football since being drummed out at Ewood Park in September last year but it is understood he has been invited to apply for the position to succeed Kevin Blackwell, who was sacked on Monday afternoon.

Kean was interviewed for the Millwall job in June and is looking for a route back into football.

It has been suggested he has past links with the Shakers ownership and could be invited for interview if he fancies the task of reviving the League Two club’s fortunes.

Earlier in the week, former Rochdale and Accrington boss John Coleman threw his hat into the ring and reports suggest ex-Newcastle winger Nobby Solano has also applied following a brief spell managing in Peru.

Bury have traditionally appointed those with connections to the club – and familiar names such as Chris Lucketti, Efe Sodje, Andy Morrell, Ryan Lowe, Paul Butler and Dean Kiely have also been linked.

Garry Flitcroft, currently in charge of Evo-Stik Premier club Chorley, is also a name being considered by the club.

Chairman Stewart Day confirmed yesterday that the Shakers had received around 40 applications so far but insisted there would be no rush to appoint a new manager.

Ronnie Jepson, the former Gigg Lane striker who also has managerial experience at Gillingham on his CV, will take charge of this Saturday’s game at Portsmouth.

But the 50-year-old, who was promoted from Blackwell's assistant to caretaker boss following departure on Monday, is not being drawn on whether he would take on the job full time – even though the club’s relaxed stance on a timeframe would seem to indicate he stands a good chance.

THE CONTENDERS

STEVE KEAN – Reportedly interviewed for the Millwall job before Steve Lomas’s appointment in June. Hopes to make a return to football – but how much did his acrimonious departure at Blackburn affect his reputation?

GARRY FLITCROFT – Bolton lad who has earned a good reputation in his first managerial post at non-league Chorley and was heavily linked with the job at Accrington recently. Rich playing career and good contacts in the game.

CHRIS LUCKETTI – Club legend who has made a seamless move into coaching with Fleetwood Town, where he is now assistant manager to Graham Alexander. Has a passion for the Shakers and could be convinced to go alone.

JON COLEMAN – Knows the territory after working with Accrington and Rochdale and was one of the first to throw his hat into the ring. Would the Shakers forgive his Dale connections, though?

EFE SODJE – Bandana-sporting defender who is currently assistant manager at Macclesfield Town. Would be a popular appointment at Gigg Lane, where he achieved cult status before being bombed out by Blackwell.

NOBBY SOLANO – One from left field, but a big name that would certainly cause a buzz around the club. Limited managerial experience, not least at League Two level, and would represent a massive gamble for Bury.

See today's Bury Times for an interview with Ronnie Jepson and the latest news from the Bury chairman.