MIKE MULRANEY insists Alloa are prepared to cast their net far and wide in the search for Jim Goodwin's successor.

Following the Irishman's departure to St Mirren, it is widely expected the Wasps will return to the young, aspirational manager model which has brought them success in recent times.

Goodwin's rise in the game followed an established pattern which had previously seen Jack Ross (St Mirren and Sunderland), Paul Hartley (Dundee), and Barry Smith (Aldershot Town) move up the managerial ladder.

But, as the hunt for Goodwin's successor began in earnest last week, Mulraney pledged to look at a variety of candidates.

He told Advertiser Sport: "I understand that everyone looks at the Jims, the Jacks, the Pauls, and the Barrys and they do fit identical managerial styles.

"But there is no formulaic answer and we will select the best candidate.

"Weirdly I don't care whether he's managed before or if he's been managing for 30 years.

"I just want the best candidate for the club."

Talk is rife in the Wee County about who will take on the challenge of guiding the Wasps in their bid to secure Championship survival.

Andy Graham remains the Bookies' favourite, but he told Advertiser Sport he wasn't wanting to take the step up to management quite yet.

Former manager Hartley, who has been out of work since last August, is also high on the list of some fans.

Darren Young, Gary Naysmith and Alan Archibald have also been touted for the job.

However, Advertiser Sport understands former Falkirk assistant manager Gordon Young – who is currently working in Latvia – may emerge as a frontrunner.

Mulraney continued: "I know the assumption will be that it will be another manager in the same mould and while that is possible, maybe even probable, it is not exclusive.

"I will look at whoever applies and judge them on their own merits.

"It would appear it already is a job in demand and we are inundated with applications. That's the place we want to be.

"Our mind is not closed to any applicant.

"But I will say we are not in a rush and I have complete faith in Paddy Connolly to lead the team."