THERE will be a new face in the Darvel dugout for the remainder of this season after the shock announcement at the weekend that the club had "parted ways" with boss Tony McInally.

The managerial change was announced less than a week after the former Cumnock, Pollok and Shotts boss guided the East Ayrshire side to West of Scotland Football League Cup glory.

Darvel won the trophy for the first time in their history by defeating Pollok 2-0 on Sunday, April 28.

McInally's departure was confirmed by the club shortly after Saturday's 4-3 win over already-relegated Irvine Meadow at Recreation Park.

 

Former assistant David Winters will take charge of the team for their last six games of the campaign, starting at home to Auchinleck Talbot tonight (Monday, May 6).

 

McInally's departure was announced just four weeks before Darvel's Scottish Junior Cup final against Arthurlie, with the club aiming to win the famous old trophy for the first time in their history.

 

 

A sopkesperson said on Saturday: "Darvel Football Club can confirm that manager Tony McInally and the club have parted ways with immediate effect.

"We would like to place on the record our thanks and appreciation for all the hard work Tony has done for the club and the results he and his backroom team have achieved."

A further statement was issued on Monday, May 6, in which the club revealed it had been the intention to part company with McInally at the end of the season.

The spokesperson added: "As a result of Saturday’s announcement of the decision to immediately part company with manager Tony McInally, rather than the intended end of the season, the club can now issue the following statement.

"The club is delighted that David Winters has agreed to lead the players and club going forward into a busy couple of weeks and cup final.

"The club will not make any further announcements until the season has come to completion and all stakeholders consulted in full.

"As for now, we ask you all to get behind David, the players, and all our hard working volunteers, to support them on their journey to what will hopefully be a double winning season."

McInally was appointed less than a year ago after former manager Mick Kennedy moved on to take the reins at East Kilbride, who are now preparing for a two-legged play-off against Stranraer for the right to play in League 2 next season.

Darvel, meanwhile, still have five WoSFL Premier Division matches to play before May 15, before the focus shifts to the Junior Cup final, being played at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld on Sunday, June 2.