KRIS Hunter had to be talked out of resignation after Turriff United's seven-goal thrashing by Inverurie Locos.
The former Fraserburgh favourite is also heading for a showdown with captain Barry Massie after the club stalwart stormed out of the ground early.
On a day of disarray for the Highland League newcomers, Hunter offered to quit after the defeat, but
was talked into staying on by his chairman.
Leigh Henderson and Cammy Bowden were red-carded and Massie reacted angrily after being substituted, leaving the ground before the final whistle.
Hunter said: "It was just hard to believe. The buck stops with me and I deserve to be sacked because I pick the team and recruit the players. Someone called us amateurs, but I don't think we were as good as that."
On the scoresheet for Inverurie were Andrew Bissett, Neil Gauld, Craig Ross, Bruce Cormie, Ardevan Djhansovzi (twice) and Ritchie Singer
Elsewhere in the Highland League, champions Cove Rangers let two points slip away to Keith to leave Deveronvale in command at the top. Stuart Walker scored for Keith after 61 minutes before Jerry O'Driscoll's goal three minutes from time salvaged a point.
Clach were thrashed 5-2 at home to Wick Academy with Sam MacKay claiming a double for the victors.
Lossiemouth and Formartine United shared four goals in Moray with Lossie's Shawn Scott and United's Barry Somers both hitting doubles.
Nairn County edged through 3-2 at home to Rothes, while Strathspey Thistle and Brora Rangers tied 1-1.