PLAIN-speaking Ardrossan Winton Rovers chairman Pat Breen says manager Bryan Slavin must "save their season" in the last five weeks after defeat to bitter derby rivals Saltcoats Vics left them with just one point from their last nine.

And the manager concedes he will not be there after the end of the campaign if he can't turn things around as they went down to a second defeat of the season to the Seasiders, losing 3-2 at Campbell Park.

Breen is urging improvement and said: "The committee sat down with Bryan Slavin and his assistant Mark McCann on Monday night. Results have not been good and we have beaten Irvine Vics twice and lost twice to Saltcoats. But we have decided to give them another chance.

"Saltcoats Vics seem to be attracting a lot of local players and we must start bringing in new faces. I have told the guys we have five weeks to save the season. It would be a miracle if we were to get promotion now but must aim to make the top seven as we would be in a league with teams like Shotts Bon Accord and Blantyre Vics."

Drew Walsh has left the management team for personal reasons but may continue to be involved in scouting.

Slavin is under no illusions about what is needed and said: "All respect but with the set up we have compared with Saltcoats Vics we should not be going there and losing. We have taken one point from the last nine and although we had a sending off in the Annbank game, I'm not blaming external factors. We did well with four wins in a row but then hit speed blocks. We are not getting it right on the field and I accept responsibility.

"If we don't turn things around, we will not be here at the end of the season. There has to be an attitude and a willingness to do the right thing when asked and that is not happening with some players which is why we need to bring some more in. I thought we had turned the corner. We are scouring the net and are looking at players in the next few weeks."

The manager will now concentrate on being in the dug-out and added: "My intention was never to play but when I do it seems to be a sideshow and I can be open to criticism."

Meanwhile Vics caretaker boss Gary Russell is impressed with his team's progress.

Russell, who won the District League with Irvine Vics three years ago, said: "It was a good win against Winton although we can play better. The team is improving and I would like to be here after the end of the season. But we need good results."

Vics on Saturday host Cumnock in the Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup and he said: "It will be a big test for us against a Premier Division side but we look forward to it."