Forfar Athletic have sacked Gary Irvine as manager after the Loons slumped to the bottom of League Two.
The Angus side suffered their eighth defeat of the season at home to Annan Athletic on Saturday.
The 4-1 loss was the final straw for the Forfar board, with the side slipping to the basement of the SPFL for the third time this season.
The loss was their eighth of the campaign so far, having only won once at home.
Just last month, Station Park directors gave their backing to Irvine but after falling back in to last place, and fearing a drop out of the SPFL like closest rivals Brechin, they have now decided now is a time for change.
Forfar statement
In a statement confirming Irvine’s departure, they said that they hope to have a replacement in place quickly.
A statement issued by the club read: “Forfar Athletic have tonight parted company with manager Gary Irvine who had been in the post for the past 18 months.
“Following on Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at home to Annan Athletic which saw the club again take occupancy of the dreaded 42nd position in the SPFL ‘pyramid,’ the directors have come to the decision that a change is necessary to hopefully alter the momentum of the season.
“They hope in the circumstances to make a quick appointment.
“The directors would like to thank Gary for his service to the club as a player, coach and manager and wish him every success in the future.”
Dismal start to season
After his final game in charge, Irvine vowed to continue fighting on saying he was “confident” of turning things around.
He added: “I have to show my players that I’m the right type to roll up the sleeves up and rally to correct things.”
Forfar were one of the favourites to WIN the division at the beginning of the season after going to close last campaign.
The Loons lost out to Annan in the League One play-offs last term after finishing in second spot.
Former Dundee defender Irvine initially joined Forfar in February 2019 on a short-term deal.
He extended his Station Park stay and on April 9 2021, agreed to take charge of the Loons on a player-manager basis after then-boss Stuart Malcolm and his assistants resigned.
Irvine was then confirmed as boss permanently the following month. The post was his first managerial appointment.
The right-back made 76 appearances as a player for Forfar during his time with the club.
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