Gordon Young on Paul Hartley's Falkirk departure

Gordon Young (left) is set to take the team this Saturday.

Hartley left the club after a 3-0 hammering at the hands of Queen of the South and assistant Gordon Young is set to step up and replace him in the hot seat for this Saturday's trip to face Ross County.

Speaking to the press on Thursday afternoon, Young said: "I think if you speak to any of the players they would be very grateful [to Paul].

"One of the things I have been quick to reinforce to them is that Paul brought them here, or kept them here, or was part of their development here.

Gordon Young is set to take his place in the dugout this weekend for the trip to Ross County. (Michael Gillen)

"Everybody should be grateful and thankful."

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Young, who is now an interim for the third time having been in the same situation at Dundee United and Motherwell, said the players were upset after Saturday's 3-0 loss to Queen of the South.

"The players were, justifiably, down as a result of Saturdays performance and losing the manager.

"I didn't see anybody doing cartwheels or skipping and jumping.

"They are a decent bunch. They are a young bunch, they are a life-immature group but technically they are good footballers."

Young himself was disappointed to see Paul leave the club, admitting he was surprised to see the 41-year-old depart so soon.

"I found Paul to be a very valued colleague and a good friend - so it's difficult knowing that I'm not going to be working with him anymore.

"Heart on my heart, [it came as a shock] because we had undertaken a project. Paul will be the first to admit Saturday's performance was unsatisfactory but in terms of a longer game plan, we felt we would make sure it was a successful ending."

In terms of the search for a new manager, the Falkirk board met on Wednesday evening at 5pm and again today (Thursday) at 2pm.

Young says he is being kept in the loop about the ongoing search for a new boss - with previous favourite Ayr United manager Ian McCall ruling himself out this afternoon.

"Decisions were forced on, so there was no pre-conceived agenda. I speak every day with the board. They are going through due diligence to make sure the club get back on track."