Peterhead assistant boss Davie Nicholls admits it has been a stressful fortnight for himself in the wake of Jim McInally’s departure.
Nicholls took the team for what is likely to be the final time on Saturday afternoon, as the Blue Toon exited the Scottish Cup with a 3-0 defeat to Queen’s Park.
The Buchan side are hopeful of making an announcement in the coming days as to who McInally’s replacement will be, with the club needing a lift after a difficult period.
It is not known yet what lies in store for Nicholls, who agreed to take the team until a new Peterhead boss was found.
“It’s been very stressful,” said Nicholls. “It’s a very precarious position to be in, as you’re just waiting for the new manager to be announced.
“Hopefully it will be soon as the club need that stability. It will help the team as well, as they’ll know who’s going to be in charge. It gives them a focus.
“I did it to help the club. Jim did an unbelievable job and I’m delighted to have been part of that.
“We’d have done anything for the club and that’s why I decided to stay on and assist, for a bit of continuity for the guys.
“They (new manager) will find the club in a much better position than we found it in when we took over. We were bottom of the Third Division.
“They are bottom of League One but they’ve got a great opportunity to catch Clyde. It’s there for them. They’re in a good position and the club is in a stable position with the board as well.”
Nicholls reckons that McInally, who guided the club to two League Two titles and a Challenge Cup final in 11 years in charge, gets the recognition he deserves for what he achieved.
“Ultimately I don’t think Jim gets the credit, because he doesn’t seek it out,” he added. “That’s not the type of guy Jim is.
“Throughout the years we’ve had the team for one night a week for an-hour-and-a-half. For Jim to achieve what he achieved, it’s unparalleled.
“I don’t think you’ll see it again, a part-time manager so committed to a football club. The things he did off the park – he’s done incredible things for people.”
The wind dominated Saturday’s game, with two free-kicks from Dom Thomas and a third from ex-Peterhead midfielder Grant Savoury earning the Championship side victory.
Thomas scored from 35 yards in the first half with the wind at his back, with his effort sailing past Tom Ritchie.
His second was from closer in, taking aim from the right channel and drilling low into the bottom corner.
Peterhead pushed players forward in the closing stages to try grab a consolation but were undone with Savoury’s goal on the counter.
“I thought the boys gave everything they had,” said Nicholls. “I said to them in there they need to give that until the end of the season. They’ll give themselves a chance of staying in the league.
“I thought 3-0 was harsh. They got a breakaway goal at the end which Queen’s Park are renowned for. I’m not going to criticise them for that.”
PETERHEAD (4-4-1-1) – Ritchie 5; Walusimbi 5, Jason Brown 6, McDonald 5, Wilkie 5, D Strachan 6, Wilson 5 (Jordon Brown 79), Carre 6, Jack Brown 5, McCarthy 6, Hewitt 5. Subs not used – Wood, Asare, Scullion, McGale, Dow, Murray.
QUEEN’S PARK (4-2-3-1) – Ferrie 6; Davidson 6, Naismith 6, Eze 6, Robson 6, Thomson 6, Boateng 7, Savoury 5, Jarrett 5 (Bannon 59), Thomas 7 (Longridge 87), Murray 6 (Williamson 79). Subs not used – Heraghty, Kilday, Fox, Longridge, Kenny, Bruce, Akrobor-Boateng.
Referee – Duncan Williams 6.
Attendance – 455.
Players of the match – Dom Thomas.
