TWO WEEKS AFTER the split between Montrose and manager Jim Weir, the club has stressed there are “absolutely no squabbles at boardroom level.”

“We are completely united in the way forward,” said director of football Kenny Black, who added that the reasons for the fall-out with Weir were non-footballing.

“The position of the manager is the same as it was.

“We have not sacked him —discussions are on-going.

“There are numerous points of discontent and legal advice is being taken by both sides.

“I cannot comment further.

“Our hands are tied legally and all I say to the fans is to assure them that the board will deal with this matter with integrity.

“There has been innuendo and comment that I have interfered with team selection.

“I have not been in or around the first team set-up for six or seven months and this can be confirmed by people close to the club.

“Our chairman has dealt with all first team matters.

“I categorically deny having influenced first team selection.”

Mr Black said the club has not approached anyone as a possible successor to Weir, but it has received unsolicited CVs from about 30 people indicating an interest in the manager’s post.

The club was unlikely to make an announcement on the post in the coming week.

“In the meantime Kevin McGowne (Weir’s assistant and caretaker manager) has decided he does not want to continue taking first team duties,” added Mr Black.

“We have decided to ask Steve Adam, a qualified coach in our youth section, to take on first team duties on an interim basis.

“He has experience coaching with Queen’s Park, St Mirren and Partick Thistle. He will prepare the team at least for the next two matches against Dumbarton and Huntly.”

Mr Black said the ethos of the club remained unaltered.

“We are developing a community club with youth players coming through the ranks.

“That will not change while I am in control of the share holding.

“I look at clubs who have been very successful doing this such as Hamilton Accies and that is the model we are following.

“When I first came to Links Park I said it would take five years to get young players coming through.

“We are two year in and the young players who have moved on to the lower leagues have generated £12,000 income for us.

“In monetary terms we have one of the healthiest budgets in our division and it is disappointing when you hear comments from other people that indicated otherwise. Our accounts don’t lie.

“Montrose FC has so much going for it and we can’t afford to be sidetracked.”

He added, “The only thing that will move me from my thoughts for the club are the fans—no one else.

“If there is anyone out there who would like to buy a quick fix please don’t hesitate to contact us.”