BRAEHEAD CLAN director Gareth Chalmers insists the club are in no hurry to appoint a new head coach after receiving global interest in the role.

Ryan Finnerty departed the Elite League outfit at the end of the season following a three-year spell in charge at the Braehead Arena, but his successor is yet to be named.

The Hockey and Operations Director revealed on Tuesday that the club are taking their time confirming the new boss as they research the credentials of dozens of interested parties.

“We’ve had almost fifty applications for the coaching role, a lot of high calibre CV’s from Europe, North America and here in the UK,” Chalmers said.

“We’re spending time doing our homework on each guy to ensure we’re looking at the right candidates for the Braehead Clan.

“Negotiations with a number of players are close to being finalised and we’ll be in a position very soon to start confirming the exciting new roster for 2017/18.”

In further news, Clan have confirmed that netminder Michal Zajkowski will not be returning for the 2017/18 campaign after joining his hometown club Ornskoldsvik HF on a two-year deal.

Zajkowski recorded a save percentage of 89.5 per cent in 40 EIHL games since joining from Norwegian side Lillehammer, but Chalmers wished him well on his return to Sweden.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to wish Michal and his family all the very best for the future,” he said.

“Michal is a superb guy, one of the nicest guys you’ll come across in hockey. We’re happy for Michal that he has been able to secure a contract with his hometown club for the next two seasons.”