David Cuffley City's long search for a new goalkeeping coach could be drawing to a close - but manager Glenn Roeder paid tribute to Bryan Gunn for stepping into the role for more than four months.

David Cuffley

City's long search for a new goalkeeping coach could be drawing to a close - but manager Glenn Roeder paid tribute to Bryan Gunn for stepping into the role for more than four months.

The former Scotland international has been working with the club's 'keepers since James Hollman's sudden exit at the turn of the year.

“We are narrowing it down and Gunny has done a terrific job,” said Roeder. “He didn't know he was going to be asked to stand in for so long and, as always, typical Gunny, he came to the rescue there.”

Filling the vacancy on a permanent basis has become something of a saga after former Northern Ireland international Tommy Wright turned the post down, ex-Wimbledon manager Stuart Murdoch left after 48 hours in the job, and veteran 'keeper Mark Crossley became the latest to decline the role, deciding to stay at Oldham.

Meanwhile, midfielder Korey Smith, 17, is to be offered a professional contract, joining fellow youngsters Damon Lathrope, Luke Daley and goalkeeper Declan Rudd in the paid ranks.

Roeder may also offer striker Kris Renton professional terms once he has seen him in pre-season training.

Renton, 17, the youngest first team player in City's history, suffered a double break to his left leg last October and has not played since.

“He's running around the training ground at the moment. I've seen him in the last couple of weeks,” said Roeder.

“He's a big, strong lad. After having a double fracture he's carrying a little bit of a limp at the moment, which is to be expected, but I'm looking forward to seeing him in pre-season and I hope we can make an early decision about offering him a pro contract.”