NEIL WARNOCK today gave Ronnie Jepson a ringing endorsement for the Town job and told supporters: “He’s the one!”

As coach John Dungworth left the Galpharm this morning in the wake of manager Andy Ritchie’s departure – leaving the decks clear for a new boss and staff – Warnock spelled out that Jepson would top his list to mastermind Town’s centenary season.

Ex-Leicester chief Martin Allen has already expressed an interest among a list of candidates including Chris Hutchings, Iain Dowie, Steve Cotterill and Billy Davies, but Crystal Palace manager Warnock (pictured) insists Jepson is primed for a return to the club where he was a promotion-winning hero.

“Ronnie is the one,” beamed Warnock, who twice led Town to Wembley in the 90s and employs Jepson as a scout on his Championship staff at Selhurst Park.

“His enthusiasm and drive just rubs off on you and I would always have him in my club, any day of the week.

“Ken Davy is a genuine chairman and I think he would relish the passion, commitment and organisation that Ronnie would bring to Town.

“I’m sure Ken would like him, would love the vibrance Ronnie would promote within the club and if anyone knows what the Huddersfield Town fans want in terms of football – and players giving 100% – then it’s Ronnie Jepson.”

Andy Booth’s former strike partner has a full set of coaching qualifications from his time with Burnley and Gillingham and has a wide knowledge of players, having scouted all over Europe for Palace.

“When I look at all the candidates who are around at the moment, Ronnie is the one who ticks all the boxes for Town as far as I’m concerned,” added Warnock.

“He wants to get to the top, his massive enthusiasm and drive are second to none and the fans at Town would definitely get behind him.

“Ronnie won’t get a top club, he knows that, and he will have to graft for his success, even though he has picked up a great deal of knowledge in his time at Burnley and Gillingham, but a club like Town would suit him down to the ground right now, just like it did for me 15 years ago when we got a great group together.

“He’s a younger type of manager, the fans know he won’t let anyone give less than 100%, his teams are always very, very well organised and he wouldn’t need a lot of money to work with to produce the passion and purpose that can take the club on.”