Son of the soil Scott Morton has emerged as the most likely candidate to succeed Devarr Boyles as head coach of Premier Division Dandy Town.

Boyles dropped a bombshell earlier this week when he threw in the towel after leading Hornets to a remarkable six cup titles in only four seasons at the helm.

"In sports, moments pick you rather then you pick the moment. So the timing of the resignation was right as this was the moment," he told The Royal Gazette.

"I feel that I have been competent in my job and delivered on expectations that are realistic and have been of good service to the community of football."

Former national team midfielder Boyles succeeded Andrew Bascome as coach of Town during the 2003-04 season after abruptly, and unselfishly, putting his own playing career on hold to accommodate his new role at Western Stars Sports Club (WSSC), where he won every major domestic title up for grabs.

"I have enjoyed everything about the job. In fact, it never felt like a job," Boyles added. "I have absolutely no regrets and will look back fondly on the relationships made and hope to continue to be active (at the club) in some form of capacity as it is necessary to stay current in the game."

With Boyles now gone, reports from WSSC suggest Morton, who won back-to-back league titles at nearby North Village, is now being touted as the most suitable man for the vacated post.

Morton did not return calls yesterday.

Meanwhile, former WSSC president Cal Blankendal yesterday described Boyles as a true "scholar" of the game.

He said: "Devarr is a good man and an excellent coach. When I think of Devarr Boyles it's definitely along the lines of a scholar and a gentlemen. He was always above board and always did his best to take the club forward.

"He often gave much of himself without expecting any financial reward. Devarr worked extremely hard for Dandy Town, winning six trophies in only four seasons, which is a record any coach would love to have."

Like many, Blankendal said he was also "shocked" to learn of Boyles' sudden resignation.

"I was particularly surprised by Devarr's resignation because I personally knew him as a fighter always willing to go the distance," he added.

Asked who could possibly fill the void left by Boyles' departure, Blankendal replied: "I'm not aware of any current discussions at WSSC at the moment. But I'm sure Jim (WSSC technical advisor Wayne Baxter) will be able to guide the club accordingly."

Baxter, however, declined to comment on the matter when reached with Hornets now poised to begin life in the post-Boyles era next Wednesday when they face off with First Division Somerset Eagles in the FA Cup.