HARRIERS' homegrown hero Mark Yates has emerged as a strong contender for the managerial vacancy with chairman Barry Norgrove looking for a "young, hungry and hard-working boss."

Norgrove revealed Yates could have the kind of credentials the Aggborough board are looking for - but admitted Harriers will not start interviewing until January 9.

"I don't know what his contract is like at Burnley but if Mark Yates was to be in contention for the job that's up to him to sort out," said the chairman, who revealed that the number of applications was now close to 50.

"We probably want somebody hungry and young who will try and work hard.

"Some of the ones who have been there and done it all would probably try and pass a lot of it on to somebody else.

"In my opinion we need someone young and hungry but that's just my opinion - to be honest with you the directors don't know some of the people who have applied yet."

Yates is still serving his apprenticeship as assistant to boss Steve Cotterill at Burnley and has helped the Clarets to the top 10 of the Championship.

But although the 35-year-old is enjoying working at Turf Moor, it is understood the Harriers vacancy would appeal to him.

The chance to go it alone in management and cut out the commuting to Lancashire from his Hartlebury home could be decisive factors in tempting the former Blues and Cheltenham midfielder. He has 18 months still to run on his contract at Burnley with the option of an extension, but it is thought he could be extricated from that deal without the need for compensation.

Another up-and-coming coach that could fit the bill is Stafford Rangers boss Phil Robinson with Norgrove saying: "There are some decent managers that have done well in the lower leagues.

"The chap at Stafford for example and they won again on Saturday. There's some decent sorts in there."

Meanwhile, the board will be unable to begin the shortlisting process, which was scheduled to take place last week, until January 5 at the earliest.

Vice-chairman Neil Savery has been laid low by flu-like symptoms while directors John Baldwin and Wayne Allen are away on pre-booked holidays over Christmas. Interviews would begin in the week commencing Monday, January 9.