[COYG]

Torquay United chairman Chris Roberts is hoping to appoint former Czech Republic international Lubos Kubik as their new manager.

Gulls chief Roberts has confirmed his intention to appoint Kubik to the Plainmoor post next week, with current boss Ian Atkins to move into a director of football role at the club.

Should Kubik sign on, the 42-year-old will bring a wealth of experience to the League Two outfit, having played 56 times for his country during his playing career.

It included appearances in the 1990 World Cup finals in Italy with the former Czechoslovakia and the 1996 European Championship in England with runners-up Czech Republic.

His club career included spells with Slavia Prague, Italian side Fiorentina, French club Metz and German outfit Nurnberg.

Kubik finished his playing career in America after spells with Major League Soccer clubs Chicago Fire and the former Dallas Burn (now FC Dallas) between 1998 and 2001.

His last coaching position was with Polish second division side Slask Vratislav, but he left the club after only 11 matches.

Roberts is hopeful of securing Kubik's services in the next few days.

"I can confirm the man we hope to become our new coach is Lubos Kubik," Roberts said.

"He is my number one target and hopefully negotiations will be completed with him in the next couple of days.

"If everything goes according to plan then he should be our coach by Monday and the paperwork will have been completed before the weekend.

"However until the ink has dried on the contract I cannot say he is our coach, only that we want him to be the next coach of Torquay United Football Club."

Atkins, meanwhile, will remain in charge of The Gulls for Saturday's trip to Peterborough United.