Dalbeattie Star boss expects "lots of interest" in Lowland League side's manager's job

Chris Jardine believes there will be a “lot of interest” in the Dalbeattie Star manager’s job.

The former Annan Athletic player took on the role last month after Ritchie Maxwell stood down to take on a new job.

And work commitments are why Jardine has ruled himself out of taking on the role permanently, with the club now actively looking for a new boss.

Jardine said: “I work two weekends out of four and I work shifts so I miss training sessions. I would love to do the job – if I worked Monday to Friday I would have bitten the club’s hands off when they asked if I’d be able to take it.

“The players deserve far more commitment than I’m able to give and reluctantly I’ve had to say to the club I couldn’t do it.

“The club were keen to keep Peter Watson, my assistant, but he’s got a lot of commitments as well. He was looking for somebody else to come in with him but they’ve not been able to sort something else.

“The club have had to advertise – at least that way the club will get the person available. I’m sure there’ll be a lot of interest in the job.”

Star’s hopes of snatching ninth place in the Lowland League came to an end on Saturday when they lost 2-0 to Caledonian Braves.

After a bright start, they were dealt a blow when Dean Brotherston was shown a straight red for a challenge on Ross Lindsay – and Braves rubbed salt into the wound by scoring from the free-kick that followed, Rhys Armstrong finishing off a delivery into the box.

Star goalie Darren Holt was in tremendous form making a number of great saves but after the break he could do nothing to stop Jack Duncan heading in the second.

Jardine said: “It was always going to be difficult after the red card and it was really disappointing timing as we were starting to