Former York City manager John Ward today started his campaign to become Wolves' ninth manager in the last 15 years.

Ward has been put in temporary charge of the under-achieving First Division club in the wake of the sacking of Colin Lee, to whom Ward was assistant.

The man, whose managerial stock came to prominence while in charge at Bootham Crescent - his first manager's job - between 1991-93 - has never hidden his desire to take command of a club after also managing at Bristol Rovers and arch-rivals Bristol City.

But if he is to occupy the hottest seat in the Midlands on more than a temporary basis he will have to fend off the claims of two former Premiership bosses.

Dave Jones, formerly in charge of Southampton, and ex-Wimbledon leader Joe Kinnear, were today touted as possible high-profile successors to Lee, whose departure was hastened by Sunday's defeat by promotion-chasing rivals Birmingham City at Molineux. Wolves have only won five games so far this season.

The club's chief executive Jez Moxey confirmed that a short-list of candidates will be compiled, explaining: "In order to start building for the future we will begin hunting for a replacement immediately. As yet we do not have a specific candidate in mind but plan to draw up a short-list of targets as soon as possible."

Of Lee's sacking Moxey added: "We appreciate Colin has faced problems this season with injuries, but our current League position - averaging just one point a game - is not acceptable. This is dangerously close to relegation form.

"Colin has made every effort to bring success to Wolves in the two years he has been in charge but, sadly, results haven't matched his commitment."

sport@ycp.co.uk