GLENAFTONAthletic have stepped up their hunt for a new manager following Mark Roberts' departure earlier this week - and the deadline is looming for potential candidates.

The Glens are looking for the ideal candidate to replace Roberts, who parted company with the club at the weekend after only a few months in the hotseat.

Roberts, previously assistant boss to Ryan Stevenson, stepped up to the hotseat after Stevenson's departure in August.

But Glens' early season struggles for form didn't ease after Roberts' appointment, and the parting of the ways was reached after the team tumbled out of the South Challenge Cup following a 2-1 defeat to First Division Shotts Bon Accord on November 18. 

Roberts' assistant Gary Harkins has also parted company with the club.

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Recent results have left Glenafton second bottom in the West of Scotland Football League Premier Division, just one point above bottom side Irvine Meadow.

With a trip to face Third Division Irvine Victoria in the West of Scotland Cup this weekend, Glenafton will be hoping to avoid a repeat of last weekend's defeat to lower opposition.

A deadline of this weekend has been set by the club for applications to succeed the former Kilmarnock, Ayr United and Partick Thistle man.

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In a social media statement a club spokesperson said: "Glenafton Athletic are inviting applications for the post of manager.

"We currently play in the WOSFL Premier Division, and have achieved our club license, making us a member club of the Scottish FA.

"Due to club licensing requirements, the candidate should be qualified to a minimum of 1.3 level.

"The club train at Kilmarnock on a Tuesday and Thursday evening.

"Anyone interested in the post should email their CV to glenaftonathletic@live.co.uk or contact club secretary Steven Kerr on 07467 606368.

"Please note we are hoping to conduct interviews within a short time frame, so applications or declaration."