Jim Duffy has said the time was right for him to leave Dumbarton.
The veteran gaffer left the club by mutual consent yesterday (Monday) after guiding the Sons to League One survival after a tense play-off victory against Edinburgh City.
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.”
And speaking to the Lennox after the news, Duffy, who had a heart attack a year ago, revealed that he believes the club needs fresh direction - even if he admits he might regret the decision to stand down.
He said: “I know sometimes these statements get made and they aren’t mutual, but this one is definitely one where the situation is the right time for both of us to go in different directions.
“I spoke to the new owners on Saturday morning.
“They have really good ambitions for the club, but they put their side of how they see the future.
“Having had a wee think about it I felt it was something that would be more suited to someone with a real freshness and energy to deliver their ambitions.
“At this moment in time I don’t feel that would be me, so I felt it in the best interests of everybody to part company.
“I’ve got nothing but admiration, respect and total gratitude for Dumbarton.
“There’s not a part of me that has any degree of disappointment.
“It was in the best interests of the club. I might regret it in a week or two, but in football you can’t wait around like that.
“You have to move quickly and get things in place. I think it was important I acknowledged that.”
Duffy leaves the Sons having won 33 of his 94 games in charge at the Rock, drawing 18 and losing 43 after replacing Stevie Aitken in October 2018.
