INVERKEITHING Hillfield Swifts have announced the shock departure of their manager just four games into the new season.
Jason McCrindle, who took over last November, and the club "agreed to part company" following their East of Scotland League, First Division match at Kinnoull last night (Wednesday).
Despite Swifts picking up their first victory of the campaign, with Aaron Wood and Ben Ramage netting in their 2-1 success, they are now searching for a new boss.
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In a statement posted on their social media platforms, the club said: "After tonight's game, the club and manager Jason McCrindle agreed to part company.
"More information will be announced in the coming days."
McCrindle, previously in charge at Luncarty, was appointed after Jason Dair left with the team placed just above the Premier Division relegation zone.
He went on to memorably lead them to their first final since the club's senior team was formed in 2018, in the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup, which they won against Dunbar United in April.
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Ahead of that final, McCrindle and his first-team coach, Greg Allwood, agreed new two-year contract extensions and, at the time, he said: "I've only been in the club a few months and I'm really enjoying it. It was an easy conversation and I’m happy to have committed to the Swifts.
"It gives us stability and allows us to plan longer term so we can continue to develop the players, the pathway and the club."
Although unable to preserve their Premier Division status - a defeat to Hill of Beath Hawthorn on the final day of the campaign sent them down - McCrindle reshaped his squad ahead of the new season.
Prior to the new campaign starting, he said: "We've kept a good core of the group.
"Even in our first pre-season friendly, we had nine players that were here last year that started in that first friendly, so we've kept a good core of it.
"You're always sad to see guys move on, but I'm obviously excited in terms of what we've brought in, and what we're trying to do for this season."
Swifts opened the season with a 1-1 draw at home to Arniston Rangers in the league, before their East of Scotland Qualifying Cup defence ended at the first hurdle, with defeat at Thornton Hibs.
They then lost 4-0 at Camelon Juniors on Saturday before winning at Kinnoull, but McCrindle has now departed after just 24 competitive games in charge.
Swifts are now looking for their third permanent manager in less than two years, with Pat Scullion having resigned from his role in November 2022 before Dair's departure 12 months later.
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