Ross County chairman Roy MacGregor insists he won’t be rushed into appointing a new manager.
Steven Ferguson remains in temporary charge of the Victoria Park club following last month’s sacking of Derek Adams.
The Staggies board met at the end of last week to whittle down more than 85 candidates to four or five serious contenders.
MacGregor says he and the County board will take their time to ensure the right man is appointed to succeed Adams.
The Ross County chairman said: “There is quite a broad section of candidates which is what we wanted.
“I’m really pleased with the quality of applicants. We just need to take time and be as diligent as we can, and get as much input from people as we can. We’ve done our research and spoken to everyone we can behind the scenes, be that managers, chairmen or affiliates.
“We are now in the phase of narrowing it down. I’m really happy with the way it’s going but it will still take time before we make a decision. We need someone who fits with Ross County at this point in time and it is critical that we find the correct match.”
Former Caley Thistle and Hibernian manager Terry Butcher remains the favourite with the bookmakers to land the Ross County job but MacGregor has played down the prospects of the former England captain taking up the post. Butcher remains on gardening leave at Hibs, having been relieved of his management duties following last season’s relegation from the Premiership.
MacGregor added: “Terry is still on the books of Hibernian. He hasn’t applied for the job and we haven’t asked him whether or not he is interested. I think that probably says he is not in contention.”
County, who have lost all four of their opening Scottish Premiership fixtures, host Motherwell this weekend.