Peterhead chairman Rodger Morrison hopes to be interviewing managerial candidates by the start of next week.
Morrison has spent the last few days sifting through applications for the vacancy left by Jim McInally’s departure.
It is the first time in 11 years Morrison has had look for a new boss, given the longevity of McInally’s tenure at Balmoor, which made him the longest-serving manager in the Scottish game.
His resignation was announced on Monday, with Peterhead bottom of League One with one win in 15 games.
The timing gives his replacement a chance to turn their season around and make adjustments to the squad, rather than the campaign being a lost one.
“I would like to make a decision sooner rather than later,” said Morrison. “Just with where we are.
“I’ve been sifting through the applications and I would like to get through to the interview stage by the start of next week.
“I’ve had a couple of people in mind, but it now comes down to the nitty-gritty.
“I don’t want the process to be too long because where we are isn’t too good.
“I don’t think it’s beyond us to save the season. Appointing someone and having them come in when you’re bottom, rather than when you’re top, it’s still a real challenge – but you can only really go one way.
“I’m quite confident we can stay up and I’m not thinking any further than that right now.”
Assistant manager Davie Nicholls will be in interim charge of the team for Saturday’s home game against Dunfermline.
Nicholls and McInally first worked together at East Stirling, as the former was coming to the end of his playing career in 2008. He had been alongside him in the dugout ever since and agreed to help Peterhead by taking the team this week.
“Jim was the first time we had advertised for a manager,” added Morrison. “Normally I had someone in mind.
“It came down to Jim and another candidate and what swung it was a big recommendation from Douglas (Rae), the Morton chairman, who said he was one of the best managers he’d ever worked with.
“We’ve had a horrendous season, but I thought the Airdrie game (1-1 away draw, November 12) was the best we have been this year.”
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