References when my manager was laid off too (update)

My manager was laid off too and I am unsure who to use as a reference. There are 14 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. I have one former client who liked my work. How do you ask politely?

Ask former colleagues and supervisors in a short message and give them a summary of the job you are applying for.

I kept a note of my results so my references could be specific. They appreciated it.