Border Telegraph | Sport | Sacked on the eve of Scottish Cup tie

Friday, 5th December, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 26th September, 2007 11:35

Sacked on the eve of Scottish Cup tie

By David Knox

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FORMER Gala Fairydean boss Stuart Robertson has become the first managerial casualty in local football this season.

The school janitor from Innerleithen was sacked following Vale of Leithen’s home defeat to Eyemouth on Saturday.

Robertson was in his third year at the Victoria Park club – having taken them to third in the First Division last season.

But a string of poor results – only one win in seven games – saw the Vale committee hold an emergency meeting at full time on Saturday.

And an official announcement was made shortly afterwards.

Robertson, who was in his second spell as boss of Vale, told the Border Telegraph: “After Saturday’s game I went for a little walk on my own around the park – I was seriously considering throwing in the towel before I learned of the committee’s decision.

“I sort of hoped that I would have been given a little longer to gel all the new players and get us a win in the Scottish Cup.

“I have brought some really good players to the club in the summer, but they just weren’t doing the business during games.

“I’ve been in the game long enough to know that every manager needs to get results and I wasn’t getting them.

“I’m not bitter, just a little disappointed that I didn’t get long enough to take the boys into the Scottish Cup – I genuinely believe a win in the Scottish will kick start the season.”

Assistant manager Robbie Clarke and coach Jackie Diamond will take charge of the Vale for Saturday’s crunch Scottish Cup tie with Gala Fairydean.

And the committee will make an announcement the following week.

Secretary Alex Currie said: “The decision was made entirely on the bad results we’ve had this season.

“I really feel for Stuart – he’s a good footballing man and a good friend.

“We have 12 members on our committee and while some thought we should have waited until after the Scottish to make a decision, the majority decided it was the right time for a new manager.

“Everyone at Vale of Leithen wishes Stuart Robertson well.

“I don’t think he will be out of the game for long.”

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