Jim Hagan replaced Kenny Shiels as Larne boss in May

A 5-0 defeat at Linfield on Saturday left the club just one place off the bottom of the Carnegie Premier League.

He said: "I feel they have panicked - I don't think I've been given enough time. Other teams are struggling but their managers aren't getting sacked."

Carrick manager Stephen Small, Mal Donaghy, Sammy Smith and Marty Tabb are among Hagan's possible replacements.

Larne officials are talking to assistant boss Tabb about taking temporary charge of the club.

The port outfit are planning to advertise for a new manager.

Hagan played for his hometown team and began his second spell as manager in May after Kenny Shiels' departure.

The former Northern Ireland international was sacked after a Sunday lunchtime meeting with Larne chairman Wesley McGookin and vice-chairman Robert Hutchinson.

Larne have won only one of their eight CPL games and are a point clear of basement side Loughgall.

Hagan's position also came under pressure after Larne were dumped out of the Co Antrim Shield by juniors Wakehurst last month.

"I am down and a bit disappointed but that's football and I have to accept it," added Hagan.

"I am not going to be bitter about it and I have have to accept we have been disappointing and have not performed consistently.

"However, my remit at the start of the season was to avoid relegation and I feel I should have been given to January, when the situation could have been assessed.

"We've had to play the top teams recently and I would have liked the club to have waited to see where we were after playing the teams around us in the table."

"I like to develop young players and that's where I get a buzz so it is case of never say never regarding a possible return to the Irish League."