Ayr have been rocked after boss David Hopkin handed the club his resignation just four games into the Championship season.
The 51-year-old stepped into the hot seat in March 2021 but looks set to stand down at Somerset Park.
Talks remain on-going between the manager and club chiefs but Record Sport understands Hopkin has taken the decision to leave.
Ayr sit second bottom of the table with just one point from their opening four fixtures.
The former Livingston gaffer has made the decision ahead of the early-season six pointer with fellow strugglers Dunfermline on Saturday.
His final game at the helm looks set to be the disappointing 2-0 defeat to Raith before the international break.
It leaves first-team coach Jim Duffy, assistant boss Dave Timmins and goalkeeping coach Derek Stillie at the helm in Ayrshire.
Hopkin had previously stated the job was not short-term, when on his arrival he claimed: "This isn't going to be a short-term fix – the board are looking for someone to come in and build something over the next three, four or five years."
