YOKER caretaker John McAuley has thrown his hat in the ring for the Whe Ho top job, admitting he would be delighted to take over on a permanent basis.

In his four matches in charge the former Arbroath defender has overseen a vast improvement in performances which has seen the Holm Park side picking up two wins and a draw, with Saturday’s victory over Renfrew handing him his first win at home.

And, with the season nearing its conclusion, he believes he has done himself no harm when the board gather at the end of the campaign to consider candidates to permanently take over from ex-gaffer John Brogan, who departed last month.

McAuley said: “It was good a win on Saturday and the good performances seem to be continuing.

“I am thoroughly enjoying being in the charge and the atmosphere and the way team is playing has been a joy to be involved with.

“Obviously it is my first time in charge of a club at any level but the boys have done exactly what I have asked of them and I would like to think I will be considered for manager position on a permanent basis.

“I have certainly done myself no harm when it comes to getting the role and I would love to take over, I am still getting used to all the ins and outs but that will come with time.

“But, I want the job and I will sit down with secretary Campbell Bissland at the end of the season and discuss what direction the club would like to take.” Brogan departed following a poor run of form that saw the Holm Park side sliding close to relegation slots.

A recent upturn in performances has left McAuley unbeaten in his three league matches at the helm but the interim boss stressed his remit is to keep the club in the division and concedes his side are still not safe despite sitting in seventh position.

He added: “Since day one I was told I had to keep the side in the league and we have definitely made some progress.

“But, that said, I think we need to reach the 34 point mark to be safe. I’ve thought that since last season and circumstances with Lesmahagow being so far behind means we might not need that many but that is still the aim.

“We have got to have one eye looking over our shoulders but I would like to think we will be finishing as high up the table as possible.”