PRESTON North End today announced that they have short-listed five candidates for the vacant manager's job.
Kelham O'Hanlon, who has been caretaker manager since the departure of David Moyes has been one of those candidates.
Interviews will take place this week and early next week, with a decision likely by Friday, May 3.
Chief Executive Tony Scholes said: "The situation is no different to what we said when David Moyes left.
"We have had a vast number of credible applicants, including Kelham, and it is only right that we short-listed some of these to interview.
"The calibre of applicants has been outstanding with many top names in the game applying for the job.
"We could not have dreamt of this two years ago and it is testimony to the progress the club has made that we can attract such a calibre of applicants.
"We have finished in the top ten of Division One two seasons running being 90 minutes away from the Premiership last season and one game away from the play-offs this season.
"We are seen as a progressive and ambitious club that is run in the right manner.
"We are not surprised at the applications we have had."
Acting Chairman Derek Shaw said: "Kelham is aware of the situation having attended a Board meeting this morning.
"He understands the situation fully and has been extremely professional throughout his tenure as Caretaker Manager.
"There is no fixed agenda and all options are possible. Whatever happens though, I would hope that Kelham, Jimmy Lumsden and Clive Middlemass remain at the club. They are very good people."
Other names in the frame are believed to include Bryan Robson and Peter Reid.
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