Bryce handed in his notice, which was accepted, on Sunday and will now leave the club along with his backroom staff of David Fulton and Mark Howie.

Speaking to the Chronicle an incensed Bryce said: “There has been a lot of back stabbing going on between some of the players and the committee and I need to stress that it hasn’t been from all of the players, just a few.

“Obviously I’ve not been good enough for them and I’m really disappointed in some of the players and committee.

“This has been going on all season and it was going on to a certain extent last season too and it has been happening fairly regularly too.” Bryce’s shock exit came just 24 hours after his side were dumped 3-2 at home to Cumnock in the derby.

Bryce added: “Me leaving was nothing to do with losing at the weekend. I was more or less told that I had to resign.” The Chronicle understands that several players approached committee members to voice their displeasure at the way things were being run.

Glenafton club secretary, John Stewart said: “There have been issues with some players who weren’t happy that they only had one training session in two weeks over Christmas and New Year.

“There are about 10 to 12 players who aren’t happy with training or tactics.” Stewart added: “I told Tommy that players had come to me about certain things and I let Tommy know. He phoned me back about half an hour later and said that he was resigning.” Glenafton released a statement on Sunday evening that read: “We would like to thank them for everything that has been achieved during their time at Glenafton most notably reaching the Scottish Cup Final last season and winning the Ardagh Cup this season.

“The Glens’ committee wish Tommy, David and Mark all the best for the future.” The Glens’ committee are hopeful of bringing someone in for the weekend’s game at home to Troon. Stewart said: “We will maybe have somebody in by the weekend, even if it’s just temporary. We are in a good state of affairs for anyone taking over. We are out of both cups but we are safe from relegation so there won’t be much pressure on anyone coming in other than a good league finish.” Defensive duo, Craig Menzies and Jamie McGeoghegan took Glens training this week as they awaited an announcement on Bryce’s successor to be confirmed.

The club are believed to be in the process of interviewing applicants and are hopefully of announcing the new man until the end of the season.