Montrose chairman Derek Sim has admitted the “euphoria” of the club securing their SPFL future on Saturday was dispelled the following day when he was told that manager Paul Hegarty’s mum had passed away suddenly.
The sad news means preparations for next season have largely been put on hold.
However, Sim revealed that the club and Hegarty along with his assistant, fellow former Dundee United legend John Holt, have mutually agreed that they will be staying on in charge after helping keep the Gable Endies’ stay in the SPFL with the win over Brora Rangers in the historic first pyramid play-off.
Club captain Garry Wood scored a wonder goal to make it 3-2 on aggregate for the Angus club on Saturday and he is one player Hegarty is keen to keep for next season.
Sim said: “It was very sad after the euphoria of Saturday to discover that Paul’s mum had passed away at the age of 90 at her home in Edinburgh.
“We have spoken to Paul and John about staying on and we all agreed that we would discuss it after the last match of the season.
“We are in agreement they want to continue and we want them to continue but we were going to sit down and talk about budgets and players.
“Paul and John have not signed contracts as yet.
“I do not envisage any problems sorting it out but everything has been put on hold after the sad news about Paul’s mum.
“Paul and John will be seeing all the players regarding next season, sorting out who will and who will not be offered new contracts.
“Considering Paul’s situation, there may be a delay in progressing.
“We have indicated to our captain Garry Wood that we would like him to stay on.
“He is getting married this summer and is heading off abroad on his stag do. We understand he has had offers from some Highland League clubs so we will be trying to speak to him as soon as possible.”