DUMBARTON are confident of having a short list for their managerial vacancy by the end of the week.

Former boss Gerry McCabe was sacked 11 days back after Sons' disappointing defeat at Albion Rovers.

No.2 Jim Clark will remain in charge for Saturday's Scottish Cup third round visit of Berwick.

Vice-chairman Colin Hosie said: "We have received a good level of application and the target is to have that whittled down to a short list by the end of the week.

"We are looking for someone who can come in and stabilise the club in the short term and then guide a group of players who we believe are capable of taking us into the play-offs."

Caretaker Clark may be interested in the job and ex-Albion Rovers gaffer Jim Chapman has been mentioned.

He built an entertaining Coatbridge team on the basement league's smallest budget and his credentials for the Strathclyde Homes Stadium vacancy are impressive.

However, former Stranraer and Ayr United boss Neil Watt is also believed to be one of the front-runners.

Watt surprisingly parted company with the Somerset Park side last month after guiding the Honest Men to a Challenge Cup semi-final at the expense of Partick Thistle, but is believed to be keen on a quick return.

Hosie refused to indulge in any speculation, and said: "The main thing for Dumbarton is that we now have the standard of applicant to move the process on to a shortlist we will be happy with."