Elgin City begin search for fourth manager in seven months following Barry Smith’s shock departure after just eight matches in charge
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Elgin City manager Barry Smith has stepped down from the Borough Briggs hot seat after just eight matches in charge.
Crisis-hit City will now begin the search for their fourth manager in the space of seven months.
In a club statement today, the club said they had “reluctantly agreed” to part company with Smith with immediate effect.
“The club understands that Barry’s work commitments in his day job have increased and he is unable to guarantee the same level of commitment that he feels Elgin City and their supporters deserve," said the statement.
"The club wish to place on record their thanks to Barry for his endeavours and wish him good luck for the future."
Speculation has already started as to who the next Black and Whites manager could be.
Former player Steven MacKay, who worked as assistant manager at City for a spell, led Nairn County to North of Scotland Cup glory yesterday.
Hearts legend John Robertson recently left a coaching role at Caley Thistle.
Whoever comes in will be City's fourth manager since April.
Long-serving Gavin Price was sacked after a poor run of results at the end of last season.
Ross Draper became caretaker co-manager with Charlie Charlesworth and Stevie Dunn for the rest of gthe season and Draper was appointed as player boss in May.
He lasted just 11 matches before stepping down after City's 5-1 defeat at Bonnyrigg Rose at the start of September.
Smith was swiftly brought in, his first game at the helm being a Challenge Cup defeat at Morton.
His eight-game reign included 6-0 defeats to Peterhead and Jeanfield Swifts, the latter a Scottish Cup exit regarded widely as the most embarrassing result in the club's history.
Smith finished on a high, guiding Elgin to a 2-0 win over Bonnyrigg.
There was no indication when he spoke after the game that it would be his final fixture as Borough Briggs manager.