GREAT Harwood aren't expected to make a decision about the vacant manager's position until after this weekend.

The NWCL Division One bottom club lost Denis Underwood last week after he resigned following a poor season.

His assistant manager John Hughes has taken over temporarily, helped by veteran midfielder Dave Sharples.

"We have had five or six applicants," said Harwood chairman Bill Holden.

"And we will be making a decision next week. We do need to make a decision soon though so we can start preparing for next season."

Names in the frame have been former Stanley boss Tony Greenwood and Stand manager Nick Davis.

Harwood finally broke a run of seven straight defeats when they drew 3-3 with Winsford on Monday night.

Now they hope to go one step further when they travel to Maine Road on Friday night - the team just above them.

"There are still 15 points to play for and we want to get as many as possible," continued the chairman.

"I am a realist and I know we won't get all the points but we will be fighting to get as many as possible.

"It is a tall order but we are still there."

It is unsure how many teams will be relegated from Division One.

It could be anywhere between one and three depending on which teams are relegated from the UniBond First Division and the promotions from the NWCL Division Two.