Former  Ayr United skipper John "Yogi" Hughes, current Somerset Park coach Sandy Stewart and ex-Ross County boss Derek Adams are among the frontrunners to take the reins at the Ladbrokes Championship club.

 Ian McCall told the club on Sunday night he has accepted the position of Partick Thistle manager, confirming speculation he was set to return to his old club.

And assistant Neil Scally has also left to join McCall in the West End.

The appointment was confirmed this afternoon by the Firhill club.

During a heady four-year spell at the club McCall has taken the team Ayr United from second bottom of League One to promotion playoff success, relegation and then celebrated League One title success. 

Last season they finished fourth in the Championship and are currently joint top. Coach Sandy Scott is in temporary charge, assisted by player Mark Kerr. 
The Ayr United Football Club said last night in a statement: "Ian McCall has informed the club of his decision to accept the position of manager with Partick Thistle Football Club. We are currently in discussions with Partick Thistle to agree compensation details.

"Sandy Stewart has agreed to take over the first team manager’s role in the interim and he will be assisted by Mark Kerr.

"We would like to thank Ian for the progress he has helped Ayr United make on the road to becoming an established Championship club with the ambition to progress to the highest levels of the Scottish game.

"The club is disappointed to be losing Ian and had indicated our desire for him to remain with Ayr United. We wish Ian well for the future."

The board of directors is determined to build on the progress made over the past five seasons and the club will issue more information during the week."

Other candidates rumoured to be in the running include ex-Ross County managers Jim McIntyre.