BANGOR City are reportedly lining up one of the club’s former players for their managerial vacancy following the departure of Stephen Vaughan Jnr.

The Chronicle understands that the Huws Gray Alliance side have identified Paul Whelan as the man to take over on a permanent basis from Craig Harrison, who left his role to take up a first team coaching position at JD Welsh Premier League title hopefuls Connah’s Quay Nomads.

The new management team is widely expected to be announced in the coming days as the Citizens’ gear up for their pivotal clash at fierce rivals Rhyl on Friday night.

Whelan is no stranger to the Bangor City faithful after enjoying a hugely successful playing career at the club, where he scored at Wembley during their FA Trophy final in 1984 and also turned out for the Citizens in Europe.

He also enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Glantraeth which resulted in a league and cup double in 2006, before he departed to take up the vacant managerial position at Porthmadog, who were then plying their trade in the JD Welsh Premier League.

If the appointment is confirmed, Whelan will inherit a squad at the very top of their game, scoring 18 goals without conceding in their last five contests following a disappointing start to the season.

Director of football Vaughan Jnr will no longer be part of the set-up after confirming his departure following their 3-0 victory over Prestatyn Town on Friday evening to take up the assistant manager post at Mosta FC in the Maltese Premier League, where he will be joining up with experienced pro-license coach Mark Miller.

The Chronicle also understands that VSM Sports will still be heavily involved in the club behind-the-scenes from a funding perspective to ensure the club’s long-term goals are met.