Jim Paterson has walked out on East Kilbride after it became clear he was going to be overlooked for the manager's job.
The 40-year-old had been in caretaker charge since November, but last week the Lowland League champions announced they were inviting external applications for the job.
Paterson was encouraged by the club to apply for the role, but ast night Paterson and assistant Dean Shanks quit the club, with skipper Craig Malcolm and defender David Proctor taking training.
A club statement read: "Jim Paterson and Dean Shanks last night advised the club of their intention to leave their posts as interim 1st team coaching staff with immediate effect.
"David Proctor and Craig Malcolm will now take interim control of 1st team matters until the recruitment process to appoint a permanent manager has been completed in full."
Paterson had previously told Lanarkshire Live Sport: “It’s a strange situation for me having to apply for it, but what can I do? It’s a difficult one.
“The club are always going to want to have the best manager in place.
“I’ve always said I want this job and that hasn’t changed."
Applications for the position close on Friday, February 28 at 5pm.
EK host BSC Glasgow - who knocked them out of the Scottish Cup last month - in the league on Saturday.
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