IRVINE Meadow have released a statement following the appointment of one of their former players into a vacant managerial position.

Paul Paton, who signed with Ben Carson's side in May, was announced as the new boss at Glenafton Athletic on Tuesday, September 17.

The former Dundee United midfielder - who previously played for the Glens - will be entering his first role in management, replacing Ryan Caddis after he left the club earlier this week.

However, his former employers now look to be exploring whether the move across Ayrshire was one which was conducted legally.

In a club statement issued on Wednesday, September 18, Irvine Meadow say the appointment came as a "surprise" and that they had not been approached by Glenafton or asked by the Loch Park club to speak to their player.

They added that first team coach Alan Muir has also since told the club he will be leaving to join Paton's background team.

The statement said: "The club would like to inform our fan base that we were informed yesterday afternoon that player Paul Paton has accepted the vacant manager's position at West of Scotland Football League Club Glenafton Athletic.

"This came as a surprise to us as we were not approached nor asked for permission to speak with our player.

"In addition to Paul moving on, this morning, Alan Muir also informed the club that he is leaving with immediate effect to join up with Paul's background team.

"Irvine Meadow XI will continue to prepare for this weekend's Scottish Junior Cup fixture as normal. We will not be making any further comments on this matter."

Prior to the statement being issued, a club official informed fans, via a Facebook page, of Meadow's position.

They said: "The club was unaware of this appointment until 30 minutes before it appeared on Glenafton’s social media platforms when a phone call was received by the club secretary from Glenafton.

"Since then the committee has been in consultation with both the SFA and Glenafton regarding the legality of this appointment."

A spokesperson for Glenafton Athletic said: "Contrary to reports on social media, the club can confirm that we have followed all of the correct processes and broke no rules in the appointment of Paul Paton as our next manager. 

"Any suggestion that the club acted improperly is completely wide of the mark and go against the advice that the club received in relation to the appointment.

"We will be making no further statement on the matter as we look forward to the start of an exciting new era at the club."