Ian Sharps admits he thought about applying for the Chester FC manager’s job but decided against it owing to a lack of experience.

Sharps has been serving as assistant manager to caretaker boss Jon McCarthy since the departure of Steve Burr last month, helping guide the club to three wins from four and securing their National League status.

That run of form has made McCarthy the standout favourite for the Blues job, although he faces competition from the likes of former Blues midfielder Paul Carden, ex-Eastleigh boss Richard Hill and former Everton and Newcastle United man Steve Watson.

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But club skipper Sharps, who joined Chester from AFC Telford United last summer, is happy to be McCarthy’s right hand man and hopes to be in the role come the start of next season.

“I did slightly [consider applying], said Sharps.

“I’m not quite ready if I’m totally honest. I’ve no experience with budgets or anything like that and that is something that I want to learn. I’d like to learn it here hopefully next season.

Speaking about his role as assistant manager, he said: “I’ve loved it. I’m proud to be doing it, honoured to be doing it.

“I’ve been doing coaching for a few years now and I’m relishing it. The lads have taken to me well and I have appreciated their work rate.”