Former Bristol Rovers coach reportedly in running for first managerial job at League One rivals

Former Bristol Rovers coach and interim manager Andy Mangan is reportedly in the running for the managerial vacancy at fellow League One side Shrewsbury Town.

According to BBC Radio Shropshire, former Salop striker Mangan is in contention for his first job as a head coach with the 38-year-old currently on the coaching staff at Stockport County.

The ex-Rovers coach was lined up for a sensational switch to Real Madrid in September but the move fell through after he was refused a work permit.

Mangan was part of Joey Barton's coaching staff in BS7 before taking caretaker charge of seven matches last season following the former Gas manager's sacking last October. The 38-year-old oversaw an impressive run of four wins, two draws and one defeat with that sole loss coming away at Derby County who were later promoted that campaign.

However, with Rovers eventually opting to give the managerial vacancy to Matt Taylor, Mangan departed and has since linked up with former Gas coach Clint Hill at Stockport under Dave Challinor's management.

Shrewsbury have been searching for a new head coach since announcing the sacking of Paul Hurst last Sunday. Salop were knocked out of the FA Cup by League Two outfit Salford City and currently find themselves in the League One relegation zone after 10 defeats from their opening 14 matches.

If Mangan was to be successful, it would be his first role as a head coach while it would also see him link up with former Gas players Luca Hoole, Jordan Rossiter and John Marquis who all left Rovers over the summer.

Rovers ran out 1-0 winners against Salop at the Mem last month and are scheduled to play the reverse fixture at the Croud Meadow on March 4.

The Shropshire Star have also reported that former Wycombe Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth and ex-Burton Albion head coach Dino Maamria are also amongst the candidates being considered.