PAUL Sturrock believes Town have got the best man for the job in Maurice Malpas, but insists he played no part in the fellow Scot's appointment as manager at the County Ground.

The former Scottish internationals played in the same Dundee United team in the 1980s, where they formed a close friendship which still exists today.

But although revealing that Andrew Fitton consulted him about the selection, Town's former boss - now at Plymouth - is adamant that Malpas was hired on his own merits.

He said: "I am delighted that Maurice has got the job - he's a good friend.

"Obviously he was one of the main candidates and he's done a lot to impress the board.

"But let me get it straight - Maurice applied for the job off his own back.

"He told me that he was going to be interviewed, but it was important that Maurice impressed the board himself.

"I spoke to Andrew Fitton but didn't want to influence their decision in any way.

"It would have been totally unprofessional and especially unfair on the other candidates.

"It would be crazy for people to think he had got the job because of me. He got it of his own accord and his interview has influenced the board into appointing him."

Fitton backed up Sturrock, adding: "I know people will say that the decision was due to Paul Sturrock's opinion. But I can honestly say it wasn't at all.

"I spoke to Paul twice during the process, once when he suggested a few names to me - and Maurice was not one of them - and on Sunday morning when he rang me to say good choice.' "Four of the names Paul suggested were actually on the shortlist, but in the end we felt Maurice was the right man for us.'' Malpas' only managerial experience comes from a short, largely unsuccessful spell in charge of Motherwell.

However he is highly regarded as a coach and as well as being number two at Dundee United and Motherwell, he has also looked after the Scottish under 21 side.

Sturrock believes that Malpas is good enough to continue where he left off in the Town hotseat, and says that the County Ground faithful may not see too much change.

"Maurice comes from the same school as me as we both learnt under Jim McLean at Dundee United," said "He's been a long-time assistant manager at Dundee United, then he was assistant manager at Motherwell under Terry Butcher, and he had a short spell as manager of Motherwell.

"He's got all the qualifications.

"He phoned me the other day and he's just really looking forward to it. He can't wait to get started at Swindon.''