AFC Totton boss John Robson has emerged as hot favourite to be appointed the new manager of Bashley today.

The club confirmed yesterday that they were within a whisker of unveiling a successor to Barry Blankley, who quit on the eve of their FA Cup tie at Dartford late last month.

The prime candidate was due down for final talks with the club at training last night and all the indications suggest that Robson is their man.

Word was spreading like wildfire around Totton yesterday that Robson was on his way.

It was only three weeks ago that the ex-Winchester City and Alton Town boss stated categorically that he would be staying put at Testwood Park, but it is believed that the offer of managing a Dr Martens League club was too good to resist.

Robson, who is renowned for his coaching skills, would fit the bill at the Recreation Ground, where criticism of training methods contributed to Blankley quitting in defence of his sacked assistant manager Fraser Quirke.

It is also significant that one of Robson's biggest supporters, former Winchester City director Mike Smith, has joined the executive committee at Bashley and his son, Rob, has also been attending games.

Bashley director of football Derek Binns was keeping a lid on things yesterday, saying only: "We're talking to someone, but nothing's been finalised yet.

"Hopefully, we should have a man in place by today."

Caretaker boss Ricky Haysom is likely to take charge again for tomorrow's trip to Erith & Belvedere and it is likely that he will be appointed assistant to the new manager.

Bashley's new frontline signing Michael Jackson from Andover will be included in the squad along with Dorchester capture Matt Lonnan, while Andy Darnton (calf), Gary Connolly (toe) and Richard Gillespie (groin) are expected to shrug off niggles.

Graeme Gee is making better than expected progress from his ankle ligament damage, but the bad news is that utility man Dave Wakefield is out with a long-term groin strain and has a consultation booked with the famous Dr Gilmore. Paul Gazzard sits out the last game of his suspension.

Winchester City are believed to be showing an interest in Bashley striker Tony Wallis, while Bash themselves face competition from Bognor Regis Town for the signature of former Basingstoke and Weymouth defender Toby Redwood.