Jim Duffy has left Dumbarton “by mutual consent” after two-and-a-half years in charge at the Rock.
The veteran gaffer’s final game in charge saw the Sons secure their place in League One for a third season, after a tense play-off victory against Edinburgh City.
However this afternoon the Castle Road club revealed that Duffy would leave following discussions with the club board.
A statement said: “Dumbarton FC has parted company with manager Jim Duffy by mutual consent following the expiry of his contract.
“Discussions took place after a difficult season, and it was agreed a new challenge would suit both parties.
“Jim, to his great credit, continued as our manager despite suffering a major health scare in June 2020, from which he has since made a full recovery.
“The club wishes to place on record its sincere thanks to Jim for his service as manager, especially during the recent unprecedented times, and all at the club wish him every success in the future.”
Duffy replaced Stevie Aitken in the hot seat at the C&G Systems Stadium with the Sons languishing at the bottom of the League One table.
His impact was almost immediate as he steered the club to safety with a run of just four defeats in the final five months of the season.
A host of important players including Ross Forbes, Calum Gallagher, Bobby Barr and loan star Dom Thomas left the club that summer - with Duffy rebuilding his squad late in the window after committing his future to the club for another season.
A second consecutive sixth place finish followed in the shortened League One campaign, before the 61-year-old suffered a heart attack last July.
Despite the health scare he returned to the dugout for the new season, however the campaign saw Dumbarton struggle - with the Sons ending the season ninth, and having to secure survival via the playoffs.
His overall record as Sons manager consists of 94 games in all competitions - 33 wins, 18 draws and 43 defeats.
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