Braintree Town chairman Lee Harding has said he has been impressed by the calibre of applicants who have put themselves forward for the vacant Iron manager’s position.

Harding has been inundated by applications since news broke at the end of last week that Alan Devonshire had declined a contract offer to stay as boss for a fifth season.

But while he was sorry to see Devonshire depart, he has been heartened by the level of interest that the post of Braintree manager appears to demand in football nowadays with more than 50 already received.

“We’ve had lots of applications and they are still coming in,” said Harding.

“There are one or two very interesting ones. We’ve had two from managers currently in charge of international sides, one from a very well-qualified female manager and applications from the USA and Spain as well as some South American interest from Uruguay, Brazil and Colombia.

“It’s clear that the draw and reach of Braintree Town is far and wide.

“There are some very strong ones in there and some from people who have done well on Championship Manager, but I’m pleased with the calibre and number that we have had."