Ross Hepburn is enjoying every minute of him and his Rossvale team-mates maintaining their Central First Division title push - without a team manager.

This week has the Bishopbriggs outfit’s club officials reputedly on the brink of announcing a replacement for their successful boss Martin Lauchlan following a “mutual” parting of the ways at the end of last month.

The surprise severing of ties with the charismatic Locky and his loyal No.2 Carlo Girasoli undoubtedly hit the Rossvale players harder than most yet.

Yet there have been no signs of this double bodyblow affecting matters out on the pitch.

Not when one considers the two matches played since have seen Heppy & Co pick up six points and keep back-to-back clean sheets into the bargain with their latest victory coming last Saturday thanks to goals from Alex Cassells, Corey Irvine and a rare Hepburn strike racking up a deserved 3-0 defeat of Carluke Rovers .

Rossvale remain handily placed in the title race, sitting just four points adrift of league leaders Renfrew from three games fewer played, ahead of this week’s local derby clash at home to St Roch's and midfield cornerstone Hepburn is adamant his side can handle the pressure .

He said: "Just about everyone was disappointed when Martin and Carlo left, yet if anything their departures have acted to bring the players even closer together.

“Our playing squad always got on like a house on fire and now we have taken to managing ourselves with our injured team-mate Jamie Hunter and the team captain Reece Donaldson combining to pick the team and Jamie also takes up a dugout role on matchdays to make changes as he sees fit .

“It’s hard for him but he is backed to the hilt by every player so you never hear a moan from guys who aren’t picked or those being substituted and the atmosphere in and about our dressing room really is second to none.

“I know the club officials are conducting managerial interviews this week but part of me thinks if it’s not broke then why fix it?”

Heppy, now in his second spell with Rossvale to go along with playing stints at Rob Roy, Pollok, Shettleston and Kilsyth Rangers, is convinced the promotion battle is nearing biting point.

The 26-year-old added: "We’ve had our share of off days yet are still in a great position to go up and I believe the pressure of slugging it out with Renfrew and Wishaw for the two places on offer will bring out the best in us.

“For sure we have one of the strongest squads around and you only have to look back to last Saturday for proof given that our regular centre-back Craig McGregor missed the game against Carluke.

"Yet his replacement Sean Docherty stepped up to the plate and was named man of the match.

“ We have prepared for a tough 90 minutes against St Roch's who came up with us from the Second Division last season and are a very good side.

But we have a decent record against them and will be looking to pick up three points.”

Rossvale’s training sessions this past week have been conducted by Stedfast Amateurs figurehead Kirk Forbes who has been mentioned as one of the leading contenders for the vacant manager’s post along with ex-Morton midfielder Kevin Finlayson and former Rangers, Irvine Meadow and Pollok midfield star turn Brian McGinty.

Though it’s believed highly-rated Irvine Meadow player/coach Kevin Rutkiewicz has withdrawn his hat from the ring.

More coming and goings news at Rossvale centres on goalkeeper Chris Calder who has come off the transfer list at his own request.

Meanwhile, erstwhile gaffer Lauchlan is believed to be on the radar of Junior newcomers Gartcairn after the Airdrie-based outfit announced the shock resignation of manager Gary Johnstone this week to leave one time Lesmahagow player/coach Gerry Bonham in interim charge of playing matters ahead of this week’s trip through to face Benburb at New Tinto Park .

Locky who has previous with the Second Division promotion challengers after selling striker Yammi Misanjo to them earlier this season refuted the allegations in saying .

“My telephone hasn’t stopped ringing since the news broke of Gary’s departure, but none of the calls have been from Gartcairn and I haven’t spoken to anyone connected with the club.

“I think this is another prime case of people putting two and two together and getting five.”

The leading trio are understandably being tipped to fight it out for the promotion and title honours however it must be a source of worry that Maryhill might yet figure in the contest if Jim Delaney’s men can extend their unbeaten league run to nine games when hosting the visit of Thorniewood United on Saturday.