Ballinamallard United Chairman Tom Elliott is hoping to have Harry McConkey’s successor in place inside the next fortnight.

McConkey was dismissed by the club following last Friday night’s draw away to Annagh United with the former manager revealing that he had been told he must win against both Annagh and Ballyclare to stay in his job.

The hunt is now on for McConkey’s replacement and Elliott reveals that work had already begun to find the new manager.

“We are working towards having a new manager in place inside the next fortnight,” said Elliott.

“We only met last night (Monday) as a group to discuss it and we do have a few names in mind that we would hope to speak to.”

In the meantime, club captain Mark Stafford has agreed to take the team until a new manager is found and he will be assisted by two former club captains in James McKenna and Richard Clarke with Clarke helping out with training the side.

“I’m very thankful to Mark, James and Richard for helping out until we get a new manager.

“They have a good rapport with the players and with the supporters too,” said Elliott.

Elliott added that the decision to axe McConkey was a tough one for him on a personal level.

“It was very difficult for me as Harry is a good personal friend of mine and I brought him back to the club five years ago.”