Former York City boss Alan Little is a front runner to take charge of fellow Third Division strugglers Torquay United.

Ex-Wolves boss Colin Lee has been placed in charge at Plainmoor until the end of the season following the dismissal of Wes Saunders.

However, Lee has made it clear he has ambitions to manage at a higher level and recently applied for the Southampton job.

Gulls' Owner Mike Bateson, anxious not to hit rock-bottom as the season reaches its climax, is gambling on the fact Lee will not leave Plainmoor before May 5.

But regardless as to whether he saves Torquay from the drop or not, it seems unlikely Lee will stay at Plainmoor beyond the end of the current campaign.

And should he quit before then it is conceivable Little could be in charge when City travel to Torquay for a potential make-or-break fixture on April 28.

It is understood Little, a former Torquay player, has been interviewed and tops a short-list of two alongside ex-Derby County boss Roy McFarland.

Little, now 46, is said to be chomping at the bit to get back into management after a six-month sabbatical.

He has now settled his dispute with Southend United after being surprisingly sacked by the Shrimpers earlier in the season.

But while Little is seen as the leading contender, Bateson has also indicated he has one other candidate in mind, tipped to be ex-Nepal national coach Stephen Constantine.

Updated: 12:44 Thursday, April 12, 2001