Bobby leaves Jags by ‘mutual consent’

Jun 4 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

BOBBY Crilly’s three-season stint as Larkhall Thistle manager ended last week by “mutual consent” following a clear-the-air meeting with club president Roy Gibson.

Crilly had been swithering about staying on and asked for a meeting with Gibson to discuss the situation before going on holiday last weekend.

He originally told me last week: “I need to clear my head – whether I want to take it on again last season, or the club want me to take it on. I’ll make my mind up while I’m on holiday.”

But that timetable was hurriedly brought forward, as Roy Gibson explained.

“We talked about quite a few things, including players for next season,” he said, “but we both knew that there were a few unhappy people at the club.

“I took it to the management committee and the vote went against Bobby. I didn’t want to wait for a fortnight and there was no way I was going to phone him with the news when he was on holiday. I don’t work that way and nor does the club.”

He added: “We agreed to part by mutual consent and on amicable terms, with Bobby commenting ‘maybe I’ve taken the team as far as I can’.

“Personally, and on behalf of the football club, I would like to thank Bobby and his coaching staff Brian Sheldon and Derek Gardiner for their commitment to the club over the past two-and-a-half years.

“I wish them every success in their future football careers.”

Applications for the Thistle job should be made to club secretary Sandy Thomson on 01698 884279, 07890 593319, or email: santheman00@yahoo.com.

Meanwhile, Thistle held their Player of the Year presentation on Saturday night. Awards went to:

Player of the Year: Brian Eadie.

Supporters’ Player of the Year: Brian Watret.

Management’s Player of the Year: Joe Coyle.

Sponsors’ Player of the Year: Leon Kondol.

Top scorer: Joe Shields (13 goals).