WHEN the referee blew the full-time whistle on Tuesday night – confirming Town’s 1-0 home defeat to Bury at the County Ground – it was interesting to see the different reactions from around the ground.

Some vented their anger by booing, others clapped as a sign of respect for their team and some just stood in disbelief at what they had just witnessed for 95 minutes.

Football brings out lots of different emotions – and most of them have been on display at the club over the last few weeks.

It was pleasing to finally see the new board of directors being unveiled at the club on Monday.

They all came across well, spoke passionately about wanting to succeed at Town, and seemed to be real football people.

The consortium led by new chairman Jed McCrory has a unique opportunity.

Normally, new boards come into a failing club, but currently Town are in a strong position in the league and have a great chance of promotion.

However, after an average performance last Saturday and dreadful display on Tuesday, there is no doubt they need a new leader to take them forward.

I’m sure the new board hoped the team of Darren Ward and Tommy Miller would be a success – then they make a full-time appointment in the summer.

But with that option no longer available the new man ideally needs to be in charge at least by the home game against Walsall in ten days’ time.

As I mentioned last week, I’d like to see the club make an approach for Paul Tisdale at Exeter City, but that looks unlikely due to his commitment to the Grecians.

One name mentioned has been former Leeds and Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who has apparently contacted the club over the vacant position.

A year after retiring Hasselbaink started to earn the various coaching qualifications needed if he was going to become a manager, and was a coach at Nottingham Forest from last July until January.

He’s clearly got the qualifications needed but is lacking real management experience.

Of course, so did Paolo Di Canio and he turned out to be a master in his craft.

I’d be happy to see him take over but, ideally, he’d need a very experienced number two, who knows the Football League back to front, alongside him.

Another name mentioned has been Steve Coppell, who is currently director of football at Crawley Town.

He has previously said he isn’t interested in a return to full-time management, but if he were available in a role similar to his current one, that’s something the club would have to pursue.

Mike Newell, Kevin Blackwell, Paul Buckle, and Terry Butcher have all been mentioned, even old greats such as Ossie Ardiles and Glenn Hoddle.

Personally I hope they go for someone young and fresh, with a wise, old head alongside him.

The appointment has to be the right one with promotion from League One this season looking more open than ever before.