News

Titterton, along with Gary Norton and club captain Richard Wardle, will take charge of team affairs for tomorrow's FA Umbro Trophy second round derby clash at home to Rocester (3pm).

And Rovers' reserve team boss revealed he might apply for the job on a permanent basis if results go his way.

Moat chairman Mark Evans is believed to be looking to make a quick appointment, but Titterton seems likely to be in charge for Tuesday night 's Dr Martens Cup clash with Hinckley United and next Saturday's league game with Weston-super-Mare.

Said Titterton: "If I do well and get a couple of good results then I will probably apply for it. But it depends on who else applies. If some big names come in for it then I will probably let them get on with it."

Titterton expressed his sympathy to Kenning and urged those Rovers fans that called for his head to turn up in force for tomorrow's game and back the board's decision.

"I hope the public show their response and turn up tomorrow and help lift the team," said Titterton.

"The club has done what those fans who were calling for Brian's head wanted and now they should show up and support the decision. I think Brian is a very good coach and he has been in the game long enough to know what happens in these situations, but if the players were doing the business then the manager would not get the sack. We had a meeting with the players last night (Thurs) and they said they accepted me as manager, but no-one said they were glad to see Brian go - they were sad."

However, the main worry for Titterton now is to get results to lift the club out of its present gloom, and he will make changes to the starting line-up for Saturday's clash.

Former Derby County youth team player Amrit Sidhu seems likely to partner Simon Tucker up front, while Ian Wright may start in goal.

Rovers have injury doubts over Ian Bluck and Ritchie Gardner, but midfielder Mark Peters' returns after suspension.

Titterton said he is willing to give players a chance and revealed he is in a difficult position regarding bringing new players to the club.

"Whether it is right or wrong, I think it is fair to the players to give them a chance to put thing right." said Titterton. "I may bring in one or two players but it is difficult because the club may well appoint a new manger fairly quickly and he will have is own ideas."

Evans said in a statement he was delighted when Titterton accepted the role, but said as far as he was concerned it was now "business as usual" and that the club was looking forward to tomorrow's match.

"The fact that we do not have any reserve fixtures over the next few days has meant that I can make great use of the experience we have within the club and use Alan and Gary's great working partnership along with the valued contributions from Richard Wardle," the chairman said.

"I believe and have confidence in the players we have at the club, they will be focused and very much up for the match."

The club will be advertising the post of manager and invite those interested in the position to contact the chairman.

Gresley from: Wright, Baldwin, Warren, Bluck, Broadhurst, Middleton, Wardle, Coates, Peters, Gardner, Sidhu, Cheetham, Allsop, King, Tucker, Reynolds, Roberts, Jenkinson, Bateman.

Admission Charges
In accordance with FA rules, admission for tomorrow's (Sat) game will cost £5 for adults and concessions £2.50.