Super Premier shock troops Beith have been left reeling by the shock resignation of popular manager Frank Lynch.

One of the most straight-talking gaffers around, Lynch was fully expected to take centre stage as Beith headed through to Barrhead for a vital league encounter against his former club Arthurlie this Saturday.

But Lynch says he'll be "nowhere near the place" following his stunning quit decision which he has stressed is wholly attributable to non- football reasons.

He revealed: "I have felt for some time that personal circumstances were not allowing me to do the Beith manager's job in the manner that I would like.

"And there is a lot of hard work still to be done. Therefore, I believe it is in the best interests of the club for me to stand down now.

"Let me state for the record there has been no fallout whatsoever with anyone at Beith Juniors, whose officials could not have been more helpful during my time in charge.

"That made quitting a doubly hard decision to take, but I feel it is the best thing to do."

The outgoing boss is backing his long-time backroom allies Johnny Miller and Raymond McColl to handle the pressures of looking after playing matters for this week's tester. He added: "Johnny and Raymond might fancy throwing their hats in the ring for the job but, in the meantime, they are taking charge of the team on an interim basis while Beith consider where they want to go from here.

"I cannot think of two better guys to take the club forward and hopefully they can endorse their credentials by getting a result against Arthurlie.

"I'll probably take in a Junior game somewhere, but for obvious reasons it will be a long way from Dunterlie."

Leading Beith official John Boal issued a statement on behalf of the Ayrshire club which read: "We understand and fully respect Frank's decision and would like to place on record our sincere appreciation for everything he has done for the club over the past 22 months.

"In particular, promotion to the Premier League at the fifth time of asking and the playing of an enterprising style of football, which has won Beith many admirers this season. Frank leaves the team stronger than he found it and everyone at the club is focused on finishing as high up the league as possible and competing for silverware in the two remaining cup competitions.

"Frank is one of the most professional managers the committee and I have worked with at Beith Juniors and he has given the club a platform for growth that we are determined to build on in the Premier League.

"He has assembled a very talented squad of players at the club and we have no doubts they will prove their worth over our remaining fixtures this season."

Midfield battler John Jack, one of six former Arthurlie players making a return to fields of former glory, is a non-starter after a red card against Shotts last weekend and the likelihood is either Stuart Allison or John Craig will be drafted in as his replacement.

Arthurlie, desperate to climb away from the relegation zone, honed their preparations with a 3-1 midweek friendly defeat of Johnstone Burgh, in which attacking midfielder Sean Winter underlined his claims for a starting jersey against Beith by netting his sixth goal in four outings.

Home supporters may get a further selection boost if John Johnston declares himself fit from a painful shin knock which has sidelined him over the past few weeks.