There are still 20 shopping days till Christmas and already Pollok are looking for their third manager of the season, with club officials left gobsmacked by Stevie Docherty decision to resign.

The stunning revelation is just the latest dramatic episode to have developed at Newlandsfield since the former Airdrie midfielder assumed the Lok hotseat back in early October, amid some controversy.

He had initially started the season as No.2 to then-gaffer John Richardson, whose departure for family reasons led to Docco taking charge as the caretaker boss.

Docherty had made no secret his wish to take up the role on a permanent basis, but eventually left feeling ostracised after Lok officials opted to invite applications for the vacancy.

A mini-dressing room revolt followed, including transfer requests from at least two experienced players, which led to an embarrassing climbdown from the hierarchy and Docco's being given the role.

Against that backdrop, he was always going to be under pressure to get results, but cup wins against lower league opponents failed to divert focus from Pollok's dismal league form - a mere three points gathered from a possible 15.

Last weekend's 2-1 defeat away to Super Premier Division bottom side Largs Thistle proved the final straw for the 36-year-old, but he slept on matters before contacting Lok committee men on Sunday to reveal his decision.

He then informed his players in an emotional face-to-face meeting on Monday night.

Striker Iain Diack said: "We knew Docco was extremely disappointed with our performance down at Largs but nobody had the faintest inkling he was going to walk away.

"It's a sad day as he's a really likeable guy and to a man we all feel responsible for the way things have turned out."

Docherty remained tight-lipped on the reasons for his departure last night, but he was believed to be frustrated by Pollok's budgetary restraints.

He had made preliminary approaches for a number of top Juniors such as Gavin Collins (Auchinleck Talbot), Mark Blakey (Arthurlie) and Chris Wilson (Clydebank), but was unable to bring them on board.

His successor, whoever that turns out to be, may also feel a need to inject some fresh blood into a playing squad whose preparations for this week's home derby clash with Peters-hill will be overseen by Docco's former No.2 Brian McGinty.

However, it is believed long-serving match secretary Franny McNeil will also be in the Newlandsfield dugout.

Speculation over who might replace Docherty is already rife, with Bankies boss Budgie McGhie's name linked for a third time, and possibly the last should he yet again turn Lok down.

Some supporters are leaning towards the currently banned ex-Shotts Bon Accord gaffer Tony McInally (his suspension expires in 26 days), while another faction favours bringing back ex-Lok players and current Bellshill Athletic management duo, Robert Downs and Stevie Aitchison.

Ironically, in light of Docherty's frustrations in the transfer market, Super Premier champions Auchinleck have placed stopper Collins on the transfer list at his own request.

The 29-year-old said, "This club has been a massive part of my life for over 10 years.

"There has been no fall out with the manager Tommy Sloan but he will testify to a conversation we had at the start of this season when I said I'd like to be playing more regularly.

"I would have loved nothing better to be doing it with Talbot and I stuck it out hoping this would prove the case but it hasn't worked out and at this stage in my career, I have to think about moving on.

"It's been 10 glorious years packed with fantastic memories and medals galore that could never have been won anywhere else, so I have no regrets whatsoever."

Any Pollok move for Collins is likely to be matched by ambitious Hurlford United and Kilbirnie Ladeside.

It remains to be seen whether a new Lok boss will be in place before their name goes into the hat when the draw for the Scottish Junior Cup fourth round takes place in the offices of the Evening Times on Thursday, December 12 at 3pm.

The exits of last season's finalists Auchinleck and Linlithgow Rose has caused bookmakers to recalculate their odds.

Talbot's conquerors Bo'ness United and Hurlford lead the way, while among the fancied dark horses are a Sauchie Juniors side boasting World Cup striker and ex-Dundee United hitman Colin Samuel.