Stark won promotion to Division Two for Queen's Park last season

The former Celtic assistant boss was one of four candidates on the Scottish Football Association shortlist.

Stark, who also played for St Mirren and Aberdeen, is expected to take over the role in the next few weeks.

"While we are sorry to see Billy go, we are delighted to see the work he has done with our youths recognised in such a manner," said a club statement.

"The club will not rush into naming a successor, and Bobby Dickson and David McCallum will take the helm after Billy's departure.

"We're sure that all supporters will join the club's directors and playing staff in thanking Billy for more than three marvellous years here at Hampden, and wishing him all the best in his new post."

Maurice Malpas had been in charge of Scotland's Under-21s since Archie Knox left the post to join the coaching staff at Bolton last September.

Under his guidance, Scotland lost to Finland, drew with Denmark and defeated Lithuania while his most recent outing in charge resulted in a 4-0 friendly defeat against European champions Holland.

The young Scots are next in action on 17 November when they travel to Slovenia for a European Championship qualifying tie.