Danny Grainger does not want to take on the Falkirk head coaching role despite being made second favourite for the job.
The 35-year-old former Carlisle United skipper and Workington Reds manager has agreed to be the interim head coach after Paul Sheerin was sacked at the week-end.
Grainger had joined the club in the summer as part of Sheerin’s backroom team as his number two, and has now distance himself from the top job.
He told the Falkirk Herald: “I won’t be looking to take the job at all.
“I have got aspirations to work as a manager again, but right now I have no interest in this role. When the new regime comes in my position will be reviewed then.
“The board asked me to take the time for the interim period and I was happy to do so. The group of players we have here are all brilliant lads to work with on the training pitch.”
He said that Sheerin’s sacking has come as a complete surprise and he says it has greatly affected the dressing room.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a dressing room as flat and emotionally drained in the 20-odd years I’ve been involved in the game. Everyone was disappointed to see the manager leave and that is a testament to the respect Paul had from the group.
“There have been comments and what has happened behind closed doors and they will stay behind closed doors.”
Falkirk lost 6-0 at Queen’s Park on Saturday and one of the worst defeats in the club’s 144-year history proved to be too big a stat for Sheerin to survive.
Grainger added: “It was unacceptable to lose a match like that against a team you are wanting to challenge so I understand why the fans felt the way they did.
“As I mentioned things were said and some home truths were told because you can’t come away from a result like that and not feel guilt and anger.
“From my own point of view I was frustrated because I felt myself and Paul could turn it around and that we had put good foundations in place.”
On Saturday the league leaders Cove Rangers visit who are fifth in the Division One table, outside the promotion play-off spots.
“The crowd will expect a reaction and we have to give them that,” said Grainger. “It will be a tough match but picking up three points is still the goal for us.
“The players need to believe in themselves and show the ability I know they have on the park.
“I’ve only had them for two sessions so there won’t be wholesale changes. I truly believed in what Paul wanted to do and how he wanted the team to play.”
The club says it is well underway with the search for a new head coach and are hoping to make a swift appointment ahead of a busy December period and the upcoming January transfer window.
