John Robertson has been placed on compassionate leave at Inverness Caley Thistle with the Championship club now seeking a temporary short-term manager and assistant.
Hearts legend Robertson, who has suffered a family bereavement, will return to the role at a future date yet to be determined.
The Inverness club also announced that assistant manager Scott Kellacher, absent from club duties recently, had suffered a serious illness and would not be returning for the foreseeable future.
While Kellacher’s illness is unrelated to Robertson stepping aside from frontline duties, chief executive Scot Gardiner said the twin setbacks had placed a “colossal amount of pressure” on the club at a crucial time in the campaign.
Barring a rapid temporary appointment, coaches Barry Wilson and Ryan Esson will take charge for the home match against Alloa.
But the Highland club feels taking full charge of team affairs until Robertson returned would be excessively demanding given their own commitments
Gardiner said: “John has been given compassionate leave and the club is standing square behind him at this very difficult time.
“Whether it is five days, five weeks or five months, that will remain the case and he will remain our manager, and Scott our assistant manager.
“We are not expecting it to be long-term but he has our complete support.
“Charlie Christie will also help on the training ground, but he has his own important role at the club on various projects.”
Caley Thistle are hoping to persuade an experienced football figure to bridge the gap before Robertson returns.
