Yahoo News Darvel ditch manager Tony McInally just a fortnight after guiding them to first Scottish Junior Cup final in nearly 50 years
Darvel has sensationally dismissed manager Tony McInally just a fortnight after guiding the club to their first Scottish Junior Cup final in nearly 50 years.
The former Shotts Bon Accord, Pollok and Cumnock gaffer also secured the West of Scotland League Cup trophy for the club just six days ago after the Vale beat Pollok 2-0 in the final.
The club released a statement on their social media platforms on Saturday night confirming the departure of McInally just two hours after their 4-3 West of Scotland Premier Division home win over Irvine Meadow.
It read: “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. Further information will be provided in due course.”
McInally took over from Mick Kennedy prior to the season following his departure to Lowland League side Eat Kilbride and oversaw a huge turnover in players, while chairman John Gall announced earlier this year his decision to stand down from the role at the end of the season.
While a title charge fell short, the Recreation Park side have the chance to lift the Scottish Junior Cup for the first time in the club’s history when they take on Arthurlie in the final on June 2.
McInally’s exit has denied him the chance to add a second winners’ medal having previously tasted success with Shotts Bon Accord in 2012.
Darvel host fierce local rivals Auchinleck Talbot in a league encounter tonight with the club having confirmed earlier today that McInally's assistant, David Winters, will be taking charge for the remainder of the season.
The club statement read: "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 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."
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