Irvine Vics will this week step up the hunt for a new manager following Brian McLuckie’s shock departure from the hot-seat.
The Westenders hope to start interviewing potential candidates tomorrow after receiving a flood of applications for the vacant role.
And chiefs are hopeful of making an appointment as early as next week as Vics desperately look to instil some stability ahead of the season kicking off on July 17.
Match secretary David Loach said: “We’ve been really pleased with the response and there’s a good spread of quality candidates in there.
“We’re into double figures in terms of applications and we’ll whittle that down and hopefully start interviewing people on Thursday.
“We will take as much time as is necessary to ensure the right appointment is made.”
Vics pulled out of scheduled friendlies against Nithsdale Wanderers and Kilwinning Rangers following McLuckie and No 2 Mark McCann's exit last Thursday.
And Loach admits uncertainty remains over the long-term future of the playing squad following the management duo’s departure.
But he’s hopeful they will stick around until McLuckie’s successor is unveiled.
He added: “What we’ve asked the players to do is give the new manager his due. Let him come in and assess the squad."
McLuckie and McCann tendered their resignations following a disagreement with the club’s committee over pre-season friendlies.
Matters came to a head over the scheduling of the annual Sheena Thomson memorial match against Saltcoats.
A dates clash with Troon’s pre-season Portland Cup tournament – due to be played on July 3 and July 4 – left the club unable to find space for the fixture.
Attempts to reach a compromise hit a dead end, leading to both men offering their resignations which were accepted by the club.
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