Arbroath boss Dick Campbell is now the longest-serving manager in the SPFL following Jim McInally’s departure from Peterhead.
McInally, who had been in charge of the Blue Toon for 11 years, has stepped down from his role at Balmoor Stadium following a run of poor results.
The Dundee United hero leaves Peterhead with the club bottom of League 1 with seven points from their opening 15 matches.
The 58 year-old took charge of the Aberdeenshire side on October 7, 2011, after they had been relegated to the then-Third Division.
Campbell now longest-serving boss
His departure means that charismatic Lichties boss Campbell becomes the longest-serving boss in Scottish professional football.
The 65-year-old took charge at Gayfield 6 years and 250 days ago in March 2016.
Fellow Angus club boss Stewart Petrie follows closely behind.
The Dundonian has been with Montrose since December 2016 (five years and 344 days)
Peter Murphy of Annan is now third after managing the League Two side since June 2017.
I'm actually an embarassment to the #SPFL.
I forgot to update our managerial table after the departure of Gary Irvine at Forfar last week.
I can and will do better.
Six departures to date and updated table below. pic.twitter.com/XYspFa4tWF
— Pie & Bovril 🏴 (@pieandbov) November 14, 2022
Here is how long each of the manager’s from clubs in Courier Country have been in position:
- 1st (overall out of 42 SPFL managers) – Dick Campbell, Arbroath. Since March 8, 2016
- 2nd – Stewart Petrie, Montrose. Since December 4, 2016
- 8th – Callum Davidson, St Johnstone. Since June 18, 2020
- 30th – Ian Murray, Raith Rovers. Since May 24, 2022
- 31st – James McPake, Dunfermline. Since May 24, 2022.
- 33rd – John Potter, Kelty Hearts. Since June 8, 2022
- 34th – Gary Bowyer, Dundee. Since June 8, 2022
- 38th – Liam Fox, Dundee United. Since September 23, 2022
- 39th – Greig McDonald, East Fife. Since October 25, 2022
- 41st – Ray McKinnon, Forfar Athletic. Since November 10, 2022.
Peterhead tribute to McInally
During his time at Peterhead, McInally guided the side to two league titles as well as a Challenge Cup final in 2016, where they lost out to Rangers.
Blue Toon chairman Rodger Morrison paid tribute to the dedication and long service of McInally, who departs following the club’s 1-1 draw at Airdrie on Saturday.
He said: “Jim has been a hugely successful manager for the past decade winning two league titles, reaching a memorable cup final against Rangers as well as taking many Premier League scalps along the way.
“Aside from his success on the pitch, I know Jim as a loyal and principled friend to this club who has made many personal and financial sacrifices for the good of PFC, especially during the pandemic.
“There were concessions made by Jim during that time to help ensure that financial stability would continue, and these were not made as a football manager but as someone who cares deeply about Peterhead Football Club and my gratitude for that runs deep.
“These are big shoes to fill but we will endeavour to find the right person for the job and as such the due diligence process of appointing a new manager will now begin.”
McInally’s assistant David Nicholls will take charge of the team until a new appointment is made.
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