Imps director Bob Dorrian has confirmed that a shortlist of candidates has been drawn up, with 'three or four' interviews to take place this week.
It's believed Simon Clark, Gary Brabin and John Pemberton are the three in the frame, with a possible approach for Ketterings Mark Cooper seeming highly unlikely.
Dorrian, speaking to local media, confirmed the interview process had been completed.
"The initial interviewing process is finished and we have a shortlist of around three or four people, who we will be interviewing this week. Overall, the calibre of applicants this time round, as opposed to when we appointed Peter Jackson, has been a lot better."
Amongst the candidates for the job this time round were for Eire boss Steve Staunton, ex Forest manager Colin Calderwood and unconfirmed reports that ex England striker Chris Sutton had shown an interest. However Dorrian spoke of the desire for a 'young and hungry' manager to take the role.
"You have to bear in mind that there are a lot of high-profile managers who are out of work at the moment, good-quality people trying to get back into the game. We are after a young manager, someone with a point to prove. What we'll be looking for during the interview process is someone who shows an overwhelming desire to succeed."
It's thought the 'possible' fourth candidate could be ex Barnsley man Simon Davey, however with his departure from Barnsley still being wrapped up financially it seems the role came a little to early for him.
Brabin was certainly the bookies favourite early doors, however his stock seemed to fall during the process. Rumours of a volatile character who required a big budget sounded a little too much like ex manager Jacko for the fans comfort.
Following a 3-0 win over Darlington Simon Clark moved into pole position, but back to back defeats have seen his chances fade as well. The 2-0 reverse at home to Shrewsbury on Saturday had all the hallmarks of a passionless Jackson style display, leaving fans wondering if the job is a year or so too soon for the talented young coach.
That would seem to leave Pemberton as the main man for Imps fans. 11 years in the backrooms of Nottingham Forest have given him the experience from grass roots level upwards, and a solid playing career wil ensure plenty of contacts in the game. He has a ringing endorsement from Forest loanee Joe Heath, and has a 100% win record as a league manager (played 2, won 2). He is certainly eager to get into mangement after being released by Forest in a Billy Davies shake up in the summer, and has the hunger Dorrian and Imps fans are looking for.
Defeat at Bury on Saturday will possibly rule Simon Clark out of the running, meaning a two horse race between Pemberton and Brabin. However who would be your choice? Vote on our poll now.