COLIN Bush could go head to head with former sidekick Tommy Saunders as the battle for the Cirencester Town managerial post hots up.

Bush and Saunders guided Chippenham Town to their most successful spell in the club's history between 1997-2002, but could be in direct competition this time round.

Since their Hardenhuish glory days, the duo have enjoyed varying fortunes with Bush working wonders as boss at Corsham Town and Saunders failing to re-hit those dizzy heights.

Saunders' CV has already been submitted, one of four so far received by the club, while Bush was remaining cautious about his future, but refusing to rule it out.

Bush this season led Corsham to their second consecutive runners-up spot in the Toolstation Premier League, a Les Phillips Cup triumph and the Wiltshire Senior Cup.

Lacking the infrastructure for further progress though, Bush cold be tempted to jump ship for Southern League Premier Division football.

He said: "Someone has already mentioned the job to me but I have to admit I don't know much about them.

"The first thing for me to do is to talk to the Corsham board and see their plans, that is out of my hands, but as a manager I do need a challenge.

"We have made phenomenal progress on the pitch but the question is can we go any further off it? The next few weeks will be interesting and I am not going to make my mind up either way at the moment."

Ciren are expecting to name Brian Hughes' replacement by mid-June with four candidates having already applied.

Other possible contenders for the job are Mark Collier, Chris Burns, Mike Cook, Ray Baverstock and Steve White.

Swindon Supermarine boss Collier led his side to the Southern League first division play-offs this season but could be tempted for the step up the football pyramid. Refused to rule himself out while being tipped strongly by outsiders.

Burns has an abundance of Southern League experience having been player then player-boss for Gloucester City. He left the club midway through last season but could be looking for a quick return to football.

Former Coventry City and Cambridge United player Cook became boss at Southern League Division One Cinderford Town in October 2004. He could be looking for a step-up.

Baverstock is a former Cirencester boss who moved on to Swindon Supermarine.

He is very popular with the Centurions' fans and is desperate for a return to football. Doubtful whether Cirencester would want to go back though.

White is a rank outsider due to his desire to land a job in the football league but if the itch gets too much and he is tempted to apply he would become the favourite.