Pollok bosses sparked a near dressing-room revolt by revealing an intention to advertise the team gaffer's post vacated by John Richardson just two weeks ago.

The announcement came as a major surprise to the vast majority of Lok insiders because there was a general acceptance that caretaker boss Stevie Docherty, who was previously Richardson's No.2, was a certainty for the role.

But club officials have thought otherwise and their asking Docco to apply for the prestigious post along with other prospective candidates has clearly been taken as a snub by the ex-Airdrie man,who confirmed earlier today he is no longer involved with Pollok and is not in the running for the job.

Ahead of flying out to Limerick as a Junior Scotland assistant, he revealed: "It is disappointing in the extreme to have the opportunity of working with the players taken away.

"Why that is can only be explained by the officials but I would hardly think their decision is related to playing matters given Pollok have already figured in a cup final this season - albeit we were beaten by Clydebank - and have lost only one league game to date.

"I can only think it is down to non-football reasons but hand on heart I haven't the foggiest what they could be."

"Whosoever comes in to replace myself will inherit a fantastic bunch of guys and one that is capable of landing the game's big prizes."

Junior whispers are already linking a number of names to the vacant position, with ex-Shotts Bon Accord gaffer Tony McInally, former Irvine Meadow boss Chris Strain, one-time Lok favourite Robert Downs and the Petershill duo of Willie Patterson and Scott Smith being mentioned.

Pollok officials cannot afford to procrastinate with striking duo Iain Diack and Richie Barr having allegedly submitted transfer requests in disgust at Docherty being overlooked as a host of other Lok players are believed to be ready to follow suit.

One-time Rangers ace Brian McGinty's position as a player/coach is probably untenable and it will be intriguing if others decide they don't want to stay at Pollok any longer.

One unnamed dressing room member said: "We could be left with half a team or less if all the guys who say they are leaving walk out the door.

"Hopefully it won't come to that and we can make the committee see sense."

Diack and Barr's involvement with Junior Scotland means Pollok are idle tomorrow which opens the door for a number of clubs to claim second spot behind leaders Auchinleck Talbot.

Kilbirnie Ladeside will look for a victory away to Cumnock with the clash between Irvine Meadow and Rob Roy offering some competition.

Meanwhile, Scotland Juniors made the worst possible start to the defence of their Umbro Quadrangular crown over in Limerick after going down 3-0 in an opening game defeat to hosts Ireland.