THE search for a new manager is on the back-burner, according to Forest Green chairman Dale Vince.

And Rovers’ chief has his mind firmly on the two-legged play-off semi-final against Dover Athletic, starting with the first game in Kent on Wednesday at 7pm and the return leg at The New Lawn on Saturday, 7.30pm.

With Vince calling time on Ady Pennock’s two-and-a-half year tenure last Wednesday, a raft of CVs have swiftly been winging their way to The New Lawn for arguably the most coveted job outside the Football League.

Former Swindon Town boss and Forest Green legend Mark Cooper has emerged as an early front-runner for the post with ex-Cheltenham Town and Crawley boss Mark Yates and current Portsmouth Academy manager Mikey Harris being mentioned in dispatches.

“ We are receiving CVs already – that’s football and it’s incredible how fast that happens,” said chief Vince, who will call a pow-wow with his Indians after the end-of-season shoot-out.

“We will go through the process like we did last time and draw up ourselves a short-list and spend time taking care to get it right and choose the person, who we think is best for the job.

“We have got no timetable set up for that, but we will try and do it as early as we can, so the new manager can get the start he can to the new season.”

And, despite the raft of applications, Vince insists his focus for now is on the play-offs and a shot at Wembley as likeable academy boss Scott Bartlett has been charged with cajoling the troops to a possible place in the Football League.

“Scotty (Scott Bartlett) is a good guy, very capable and a good coach, and he has grabbed the chance with both hands,” Vince added.

“Our total focus right now is the play-offs and giving all the support to Scotty and the team to win this.”

Pennock’s record was certainly impressive after guiding Rovers to fifth and second in his two full seasons at the New Lawn, but pressure had mounted ahead of the play-offs following a seven-game winless run and the former boss had his knuckles rapped after criticism of the club’s professionalism regarding the state of the pitch following the departure of groundsman Matt Rainey.

Vince admitted his decision to axe Pennock may have been seen as somewhat “crazy” but was adamant his call was correct.

“The timing is not ideal and a little bit crazy perhaps, but I think it is better than the alternative.”

And the Ecotricity boss refuted the claim that his choice to dispense with Pennock was a left-field move.

“This is not a left-field decision – more a particularly decisive decision and a move not driven about off-field stuff. This is all about football and my job as chairman is to call time when I think it is needed to make a change.”

And now Bartlett has grasped his opportunity after the call from Vince, and has paid tribute to Pennock following his exit: “I’ve been asked if I’d be prepared to do this. Dale obviously knew the answer before he asked me because that’s what I’m at the club for.

“Ady called me and gave me his blessing to take this on and wished me all the best and he came and saw the players himself on Wednesday, which was a good thing to do.”

Vince will have been warmed by Bartlett’s tactical nous and the positive energy fostered during Rovers’ 1-0 victory over Dover on Saturday.

Bartlett added: “Dover are a good football club. I played against them a number of times. I’m looking forward to it and I can’t wait to get on the coach with the players, and that’s the vibe I’m getting from them as well.

“Everyone knows what the prize is, but I don’t want to talk about Wembley too much, and just getting there isn’t enough. I want to get to Wembley and win it.

“Let’s deal with Wednesday and comeback with a positive result and get through this hurdle first and then look towards Saturday – all our preparation is done.”

Rovers are hoping key players Dale Bennett (groin) and Rob Sinclair (hamstring) will be fit to return for Wednesday’s semi-final first leg.

Bartlett will see his squad boosted by the return of Clovis Kamdjo, Louis McGrory and Delano Sam-Yorke after the end of their loans.