SENIOR players Darren Ward and Tommy Miller could assume temporary control of team affairs for Swindon Town’s clash with Preston North End on Saturday, with the club stressing no immediate decision will be made on a new manager.

Several candidates have thrown their hat into the ring to succeed Paolo Di Canio, who left on Monday, but with the protracted club takeover not being ratified until later today at the earliest, Ward and Miller may be asked to step in this weekend.

A club statement said: “Members of the current board of directors will be meeting with the prospective new owners today (Wednesday) prior to an update with regards to the takeover of the club being provided.

“Communication with the Football League continues as the takeover of the club nears completion.

“With the club now at the top of League One, there is already plenty of speculation as to who the next manager of Swindon Town Football Club will be.

“No immediate decision will be taken and in the interim the board will be discussing the matter with senior members of the playing squad to maintain consistency and be fully prepared for the next two home fixtures.’’

Di Canio quit on Monday, claiming promises over the progress of the takeover by consortium fronted by Jed McCrory had been broken.

His backroom team, led by Fabrizio Piccareta, followed him out after the 3-1 win at Tranmere on Tuesday, which took Town top of League One.

McCrory’s consortium passed the Football League’s fit and proper persons tests, with an issue over unpaid fees for a loan player believed to be the latest stumbling block.

Di Canio remains a frontrunner with bookmakers to make a dramatic return, but several others have already shown interest.

They include former St Mirren and Queen of the South boss Gus MacPherson, ex-Coventry boss Andy Thorn and former England caretaker boss Peter Taylor.

Forest Green Rovers chief Dave Hockaday, who played more than 300 times for the Robins in the 1980s, yesterday distanced himself from the post.