THEY are the guys for whom the buck must always stop. Behind the scenes, they are the ones coaching and cajoling.

But when players cross that white line it's the managers who remain in the firing line - no matter whether you are gunning for silverware or just trying to stave off relegation.

This lack of recognition for doing a good job under the most trying circumstances can often be undermining and helps - to an extent – explain why one can put the kettle on for the reshuffling of the managerial pack which habitually occurs around this advanced stage of the season.

You only have to look at the last fortnight alone where there have been changes at the helm of no less than five clubs, sparked by Irvine Meadow boss Davie Greig giving notice of his intention to step down in the wake of the Ayrshire outfit’s relegation from the Super Premier Division.

Medda officials reacted by immediately advertising their vacant post and inviting applications be submitted by last Saturday.

Yet fully three days before their closing date came the announcement of former players Michael Wardrope and Gareth Turner were appointed as co-managers.

The marked progress shown by lowly Central Second Division side Newmains United could not prevent the exit of popular gaffer Tommy McGualey who cited family reasons as the main cause for his quit decision.

While it’s believed the bitter disappointment felt at Bellshill Athletic’s relegation from the Super First Division brought hard-working management duo David Lilley and Bryan Dingwall to fall on their swords.

Even more unexpected was last midweek’s parting of the ways between Shotts Bon Accord and seasoned gaffer Tam McDonald whose preserving the Hannah Park side’s status in the Super First Division against the backdrop of a suppressed playing budget was looked upon as noteworthy at least.

He said: “I’m sorry to be walking away and would like to thank the people at Shotts for giving me the honour of managing their team.

“It’s not been an easy ride and both myself and John Gibson have worked harder than at any of our previous management posts to help Shotts through difficult times so the hope is our successors can build upon the decent base of players at the club.

“The last year has been draining so I’ll probably take some time away from the game before considering what to do next.”

The fact Shotts club officials are seemingly not advertising their post adds credence to terracing whispers that their minds are set on installing a newly- formed management team of former players Kieron McGuinness and Paul Finnigan.

The perceived delay to the appointments is perfectly understandable given that one-time Thorniewood United boss McGuinness is currently No.2 at Super First title challengers Cumnock whose season is far from over while veteran full-back Finny is still turning out as a player with Rob Roy.

Last but not least among the dugout exodus is Blantyre Vics head honcho Murdie McKinnon whose resignation has been tendered just five months after he assumed the Castle Park hotseat when erstwhile boss Greig left to take over at Irvine Meadow.

A creditable fifth top of the standings finish had raised hopes of the Lanarkshire side challenging for a Super Premier place next season and Murdie believes this top flight target is achievable …but without him.

He said: "There has been absolutely no fall-out with club officials or playing staff and my reasons for going are all to do trying to balance work commitments with managing a football team.

“I gave it a shot but feel the last few months have knocked the stuffing out of me and I simply cannot cheat Blantyre Vics by failing to provide the commitment needed to do this management job to the best of my abilities.

“Having so many decent players at the club should be a godsend for whosoever comes in as my replacement and I wish everyone at Blantyre Vics the very best for next season.

“I’m hopeful of getting back into the game as a coach where the responsibility is not so all-encompassing.”