Gary Hamilton last night resigned as East Kilbride Thistle manager after seven months in charge at the Showpark.
His departure comes after the Jags lost 4-0 at home to Lesmahagow Juniors on Saturday, leaving them heading into 2020 facing a real scrap for survival in West Region League One.
Thistle are in the relegation zone and just one point ahead of bottom side Royal Albert, whom they host this Saturday, after 16 games.
They have won just twice all season, but sit three points behind 14th place Kello Rovers with a game in hand.
Hamilton joined in May with a vision for a five-year plan at the Showpark. Results have not been what the Jags hoped for and Hamilton and Jags director Peter Kelsall had a public disagreement earlier in the season over the budget available for players.
Thistle also suffered a humiliating exit in the first round of the Junior Cup to Dufftown and reimbursed fans who made the long trip to Moray.
In a statement announcing he was stepping down, Hamilton said: “I have to take full responsibility for the fortunes of the club since the start of the season and it just hasn’t worked for either of us.
"This is purely my decision as I was under no pressure from the committee to leave the club and I have to thank them for this.
"I’m experienced enough to know when things aren’t right and this wasn’t an easy decision to make, it was never going to be an easy task as we were left with three players from last season, however I believe the squad that has been assembled is good enough to avoid relegation.
"My one big regret is not spending enough time on the training field as I believe that’s where my skills lie, I tried to change far too much at the club too quickly and that’s a failing again on my part.
"I’d like to take the opportunity to thank Brian McMullan, Peter Kelsall and Martin Sutherland for the opportunity and I wish them all the best for the rest of the season."
On Saturday they will hope to start the new year right when they host Royal Albert in a huge clash at the bottom of the table. Kick-off at the Showpark is 1.45pm.
