MARK Collier has missed out on the Weston-super-Mare job and will remain manager of Swindon Supermarine.

The Hunts Copse boss held talks with the North Somerset club recently along with a number of other applicants, but Weston have plumped for Bridgwater Town chief Craig Laird to take the reins.

The Swindon Advertiser understands that financial constraints were a sticking point for many of those that applied to take over at Weston, with the club set to play in Blue Square South next season.

Collier will carry on as Marine manager for the time being, but the club’s Southern League future remains in the balance.

He is hopeful, however, that the executive committee will be able to give him the necessary financial backing to carry on in the league.

“At this moment in time I’m still manager at Supermarine,” said Collier. “There are still things going on and I’m still hoping we will turn a corner on the financial front.

“They are working behind the scenes and I think there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”

The club is aiming to raise £25,000 by the end of the month and £15,000 subsequently as they bid to keep Southern League football at South Marston.

There will be a meeting at the clubhouse to update on progress on Monday, May 24, followed by another meeting on Monday, May 31, at which a final decision on whether to carry on in the Southern League will be taken.