NEWLY-appointed caretaker-manager Paul West was looking no further than last night's testing League Cup tie at Stourport.

Former Port Vale and Wigan defender West, injured for much of the season, was given the task of picking the team for last night and Saturday's Dr Martens Western League trip to Shepshed (ko 3pm).

And the stopper, who arrived from Worcestershire rivals Evesham earlier in the season said he had no thoughts of applying for the post on a permanent basis after Nicky Cross left the club this week.

Apart from West himself, fellow defender Tommy Byrne was the only other injured absentee with a hamstring problem which will sideline him for another week.

Midfielder Gavin Barratt was recalled from Studley and forward Simon Williams returned to the Valley landlords from tenants Feckenham.

Cross and assistant Gary Hackett are unlikely to stay on as players depleting the thin squad by two more and doubt has been cast over a handful of transfer moves initiated by the previous management team.

West was at Studley's FA Vase win over Buxton on Saturday but BKL keeper Matt Pugh, a Reds target has already committed himself to the Midland Alliance outfit.

Evesham midfielder Steve Lutz was also the subject of a seven day approach and could be attracted by the prospect of linking up with former teammate West.

But moves for Ledbury Town hitman Robbie Colwell, Bromsgrove striker Michael Moore and defender Lee Knight, who left the Valley for Halesowen Town in the summer will probably be left on ice.

Speculation is already mounting over who will replace Cross with the position set to be advertised.

Bilston manager Joe Jackson is the hot favourite after his moneybags chairman decided to pull out of the Dr Martens Western club but United have denied reports he was spotted at the ground last week.

Former Reds manager Paul Hendrie is another contender but his ongoing wrangle with former club Tamworth, set to be heard by a tribunal on Friday, could pose problems.

Gresley's former Bolton striker and Scotland international John McGinlay could be a surprise choice because his current club would have difficulty upgrading their ground to the Premier Division standard.

Stourport's Rod Brown is another option but the club could have difficulty prising him from Swifts and the same could apply to Studley's Mark Chambers who is working miracles at the Beehive.