Jim Grattan works full-time for the Irish Football Association

Ballymena United must look elsewhere for a new manager as Jim Grattan's appointment has been prevented because of his Irish FA commitments.

Grattan was appointed to the job on Monday but the IFA believes he would be unable to combine his role as Child Welfare Manager with the United post.

The IFA has said that the workload of the child welfare job is to increase dramatically in the coming year.

Grattan is to be allowed to help in the search for his successor at Ballymena.

The former Linfield player's appointment as Ballymena boss is one of the shortest managerial tenures in Irish League history.

Grattan was promoted to the Ballymena job on Monday after serving as Tommy Wright's assistant for three years.

He had already appointed Jeff Montgomery as his number two with David Dorian becoming first-team coach.

Kenny Shiels had to quit as Larne boss two years ago because he was working full-time for the Irish FA.

While Shiels was an IFA development officer, Grattan was believed to be hopeful that his child welfare role would not interfere with his managerial duties.