East Fife’s assistant manager Gordon Chisholm has resigned.
Squad members arriving for training on Thursday evening were shocked at the latest dramatic development at the Methil club, which is now effectively managerless for the time being as current boss Gordon Durie continues to recover from ill health.
It is understood that Chisholm, who has been standing in during Durie’s absence for the last eight weeks, felt he could no longer combine his work at the club with his business interests and has decided to step down.
Club chairman Sid Collumbine broke the news to the team and confirmed a new number two will be appointed as soon as possible.
”His decision is nothing to do with results it’s down to the pressure of his own business,” Collumbine said. “It’s an hour and a half drive from his house to the park and Gordon felt he could no longer give the club the time it needed.
“The pressure of business has taken its toll so he has reluctantly handed his notice in. He’s sorry to leave under the current circumstances, what with Gordon Durie unwell, but we understand why he’s decided to go.
“There’s no friction or animosity it’s purely and simply that he felt he wasn’t able to put the time in.”
Durie is awaiting news from his doctor on whether he will be medically cleared to return to the dugout after taking a turn on August 18. The ex-Rangers striker was rushed to hospital after the league game with Queen of the South and was told to take some rest.
Former Dundee and Dundee United boss Chisholm stepped into the breach but results have suffered from the upheaval, with the Fifers winning just once in their last six games a 6-2 success at Stranraer a fortnight ago.
Collumbine confirmed that discussions will take place with Durie over the next few days over the appointment of a suitable replacement.
He added: “Chis has worked hard and he’s a very experienced manager so we’ll be sorry to see him go.”