Scarborough Athletic have today made an announcement about the management of the first team following continued uncertainty surrounding it.

The team has been under the caretaker leadership of Paul Olsson and Darren France since manager Brian France was hospitalised in September just hours after a game with Liversedge.

He had fallen down the stairs at home, breaking three ribs and his sternum, and it was found he had blacked out due to a brain haemorrhage caused when he was hit in the head with a ball during the match.

The Seadogs have lost their last four matches, during which time they have dropped to fourteenth in the KoolSport NCEL Premier Division and were knocked out of the North Riding Senior Cup last night.

A statement released by the club this evening reads: "With the continued concerns regarding the health of Brian France and in view of the run of recent poor performances on the field, the Board of Scarborough Athletic FC has moved as quickly as possible to resolve the temporary caretaker managerial arrangements and to end the inevitable uncertainties that surround the club at the moment.

"The Directors have discussed all the options available to them, including the encouraging interest already shown by third parties in taking the club forward.

"However, weighing up our financial position, the club's current contractual obligations, the intensive run of games coming up, and knowing we are in the midst of the high passions and emotions that surround a run of poor form, the Board feels that today is not right to be taking a long term decision on the manager's position.

"The Board will advertise the post of First Team Manager of Scarborough Athletic FC officially in the next few days.

"It is our intention to announce and hopefully install (depending on availability) the successful candidate by our Annual General Meeting on 26th November and to begin the process of getting the club back into a more positive frame of mind; both on and off the field.

"Scarborough Athletic FC is an ambitious club and it is also a very new club.

"We recognise the challenge that our current management team would face in moving from their caretaker position into one which carries the burden of full responsibility.

"The Board has been impressed with the plans that Paul has outlined to us for rebuilding the team, and believe that with time, he can turn around our recent dip in form.

"However, although we have invited Paul to stay on until the new appointment is made, we need to make sure we choose the candidate who is best qualified to build a squad which will be challenging for promotion again by the end of the season.

"We must put on record that we have been impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by Coach Paul Olsson and Assistant Manager Darren France over the last few weeks, and note their willingness with unequivocal thanks to step in to help the club out while Brian recovers.

"Brian remains in everyone's thoughts at the moment, and - following discussions with his family - the Directors will continue to provide whatever support it can to Brian while he remains in hospital.

"Our first ever manager has been unreservedly loyal to Scarborough Athletic FC since his very first day, and the club intends to honour its commitments to Brian in full; we wish him all the very best for a swift recovery."