Struggling Arthurlie are on the hunt for a new manager yet again after Craig Palmer’s replacement Johnny Millar lasted less than a week in the dugout.
Palmer left the Barrhead club at the end of last month after a 2-1 home defeat to Troon left them teetering on the edge of the WoSFL Premier Division relegation zone.
‘Lie turned to experienced club legend Millar to try and turn the tide as they looked to boost their hopes of staying in the top flight, with several games still remaining to play.
Millar had plenty of credit already in the bank with the club’s supporters, having famously scored and put in a man-of-the-match performance when Arthurlie won the Scottish Junior Cup in 1998.
But after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Largs Thistle on Saturday afternoon at Dunterlie Park, Millar’s swift resignation was surprisingly announced by the club who have now slipped into the last relegation spot.
In a prepared statement Millar said: “I would like to firstly apologise to all the committee members, players and fans but I need to be honest with myself and realise that I am not the man to take Arthurlie forward.
“After the game today [Saturday] I realise that my time in football is done as I no longer have the drive and hunger that is required.
“I am sorry to let people down but it has not been an easy decision.
“Lastly I would like to wish everyone at Arthurlie all the very best for the future.
“I had retired from football and to be honest I only considered returning as it was my local club and a club I held in high esteem.
“But I let my heart rule my head when accepting the job.”
Arthurlie know they need to nail their next appointment to boost their survival chances – with club captain Gary Carroll, above, named interim manager for the time being.
He may yet be in charge for Wednesday’s crucial trip to Buffs Park, with Kilwinning Rangers sitting just three points behind Arthurlie as they both fight to stay in the division.
Arthurlie’s match with Largs had appeared to be going swimmingly when Andy McLaughlin smashed home the opener midway through the first half after some excellent work by Dale Simeon.
Carroll missed a header early in the second half which would have put ‘Lie more in control of the game.
And it proved costly as the Ayshire side’s Will Sewell fired home the leveller just three minutes later.
Both teams had chances to win it late on but it was Thistle who bagged all three points thanks to Lewis Davidson’s clinical header.
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