Kings Langley chairman Derry Edgar has been taken aback by the number of applications for the vacant managerial post at the Southern League Premier Division club.

After leading Kings to three promotions in as many seasons, joint managers Ritchie Hanlon and Paul Hughes made the shock decision to step down last Thursday.

While Edgar refused to name any potential replacements, he did reveal his surprise at both the quantity and quality of applicants he has received.

“I can’t name people and I think it is right for me to protect people’s confidentiality. I can’t say more than there are one or two surprises in there,” he explained.

“We have had a good amount of applicants. People who have coached professionally and up the leagues. That was a surprise to me, the calibre of candidates.

“I have been at the club a long time and have been used to having to chase and convince people to come rather than having people come to us.”

The Gaywood Park club are currently under the interim leadership of Paul Hobbs, who previously managed Kings between 2009 and 2012.

He led them to a 2-0 win in their first match since Hanlon and Hughes’ departure as Jack Waldren and Lewis Toomey scored against Dorchester Town on Saturday.

With Hobbs insisting he will only be in charge for a few weeks, Edgar says it is important the club move quickly to find a suitable replacement.

He said: “Paul has come in at a moment’s notice to help steady the ship for the short term. We have to respect the fact he has offered to do it for a short time and look to get someone in permanently as soon as we can.”

Whoever does come in will face a stern test if they are to replicate the success Hanlon and Hughes brought to Kings during their four-year spell at the club.

Differing opinions over the club’s playing budget are believed to have played a role in the duos’ decision to depart and join Hayes & Yeading United.

Edgar was eager to stress the gratitude felt by Kings towards their former bosses and insists the new manager will be under no pressure to match their considerable achievements.

“I am not going to knock those guys after what they have done here,” Edgar said. “It was a shame how it happened at such short notice but that is football.

“They had opinions in regards to the budget but we wish them all the best for the future, except when they are playing against us of course.

“It is a tough act to follow but they (new manager) will not face huge demands and expectation. We want to stay in a tough, tough league and stay clear of those relegation places.

“We will not be putting whoever comes in under pressure to push for play-off places and it is about staying in the division for us.”

The financial demands, which Hanlon described as “impossible” shortly before his departure, could be alleviated somewhat by an FA Trophy clash with Enfield Town tomorrow.

Progression through the second qualifying round tie against the Ryman League Premier Division side would earn Kings £3,250 and Edgar is aware of the match’s importance.

He said: “It would be a massive boost if we could get a result but it is going to be a challenge. They are historically good in the cup competitions.

“It’s will be a tough game, but hopefully we can perform well and get a reward.”