Dalry Thistle face a frantic search for a new manager after Gavin Friels quit the hotseat.
Thistle secretary Bill Daly tonight confirmed Friels has stepped down from the manager's role with immediate effect.
It is believed work commitments have played a part in the 43-year-old's decision to bring his eight-year reign at Merksworth Park to an end.
Ayrshire Football News also understands the club fear a significant number of players could follow him out the door.
Daly admitted: "We could be close to starting from scratch."
With the new West of Scotland League season due to kick off on July 17, Thistle could face a race against time to bed in a new manager and players with most sides due to start playing pre-season friendlies in early June.
Applicants for the role are now being accepted. Anyone interested is asked to contact Bill Daly on 07496 496113 or email Bill.Daly50@yahoo.com.
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