A seven-year-old boy who applied to become the manager of a Scottish Premiership club has been told he has missed out on the top job.

Ewen MacKenzie decided to throw his hat into the ring after the departure of Inverness Caledonian Thistle boss John Hughes last week.

Inverness chairman Kenny Cameron broke the news to the ambitious schoolboy that he had not made the cut on Thursday afternoon.

He thanked Ewen for his application in a letter and told the youngster his time will come if he continues his "excellent progress at school".

Mr Cameron wrote: "I thank you for taking the time to write to us, it is much appreciated and all we ask is that you retain your love and passion for our club as we know you have Caley Thistle in your veins."

He added: "Please don't let this detract from your studies at school. If you stick in with your lessons and do well who knows what the future will bring for you and in a few years you could be playing for the club and more.

"We hope to see you at the stadium soon."

Ewen had written a letter to the board pledging to "create a stronger team" and to use what he has learned playing for his school side to "help the players develop".

He had even offered to ask his head teacher if he could leave school early for "important matches and training" as long as the players pitched in and helped with his homework.

Mr Cameron told him: "You had obviously put a lot of thought into this but we feel your headmaster might have had something to say about you missing your lessons to take training."

Ewen told the board he would have picked Richie Foran as his assistant manager and Greg Tansey as his captain, adding he was "delighted with the signings so far".

Mr Cameron responded: "Your knowledge of the club and your choice of assistant manager in Richie Foran and Greg Tansey as captain would have been a great asset for us."