Chris Aitken thought he was going into the boardroom for a discussion on a new contract - and was stunned to learn he was being told his services weren’t required.
A bombshell announcement from the K-Park club on Saturday announced the 42-year-old’s surprise departure from his position at manager at the club, despite a strong run of results since taking charge.
After taking over from brother Stephen in August with their Lowland League title charge already in tatters, he has guided Kilby to second spot.
They also have the chance to win a double this season, still competing in the Lowland League Cup and South Challenge Cup.
But EK have opted to go down a different route, having appointed former Stirling Albion boss Kevin Rutkiewicz on Monday.
Aitken holds no resentment towards East Kilbride for the decision that was taken last week but admits surprise over the timing.
The former midfielder, whose departure came immediately after a 6-0 win over Gretna in the Lowland League Cup, said: “I was informed last Monday but I wasn’t just going to leave them on the lurch. I said I would do last week and I wanted to do it.
“When I went to see them that Monday, I went thinking I was going to sign a new contract and start building for next season. The board were telling me time, and time again, how good the team were and we were winning games.
“It wasn’t just the fact we were winning, it was the style we were doing so. We were a fit team with plenty legs, and then a few older boys with experience,
“But in football, you sometimes don’t get what you deserve. I don’t feel I deserve to lose my job but it’s football, and I won’t be the last person this happens too.”
“The players never knew until Saturday and when I told them, it was a wee bit emotional. I put my heart on my sleeve and I felt as if I had something special going.
“It’s a special group and the biggest bit of respect they can give me is going and winning one of these cups.
“I don’t want their seasons to peter out. They’re hurting from the messages I have had from them and they need to end the season on a high.
“They need to get what they deserve. From January in particular, they have been fighting for me. I am hoping the players go and finish this season strong.”
Speaking before Rutkiewicz’s appointment, Aitken added: “The club said that they wanted to go down another route. That’s for them to answer why that is.
“I had a really good dressing room and a young core of players. I was winning games of football and it was taken out of my hands. But I need to respect their decision to get someone else in.
“When that guy gets announced this week no doubt, it might be because Chris Aitken’s not a big enough name, but I don’t know. These aren’t questions I can answer.
“All I know is that I was trying to build something, and the team was in a really good place.”
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