Chris Aitken has departed his role as East Kilbride manager in a shock announcement by the Lowland League club.
Kilby won today's Lowland League Cup match against Gretna 2008 at K-Park but the club still delivered the bombshell news less than an hour after full-time.
Aitken took over from brother Stephen earlier this season, after a disastrous start to the fifth tier campaign saw the club's title chances disintegrate.
But the former midfielder revived their form and currently has EK second in the Lowland League, alongside a run to the Scottish Cup's fourth round.
East Kilbride are still in both the Lowland League Cup and South Challenge Cup, but a surprising decision has been made as the season heads towards the home straight.
A club statement reads: "East Kilbride FC can confirm that Chris Aitken has left the club with effect from today.
"This decision, taken by the club, has been an extremely difficult one to reach and everyone at the East Kilbride FC would like to thank Chris for his commitment, dedication and integrity demonstrated since taking the reigns on an interim basis earlier in the season.
"The tireless work which Chris has delivered has seen the team approach the end of the season in a healthy League position and in very strong shape in two cup competitions.
"Chris will always be very welcome at K-Park where he has made many friends. The club will now seek to appoint a new coaching team in the near future that will allow us to conclude the 2021/22 campaign and prepare fully for next season."
Aitken added on social media: "Football has a tendency to kick you when u least expect it, today a took charge of my final game as manager at East Kilbride.
"I have worked extremely hard over the last seven months and leave the club with my head held high, second in the league and in two quarter finals.
"I’ve loved every minute of it and met some friends for life, to my staff and players, I honestly can’t thank you enough for your hard work and your high standards you all set.
"I was proud to lead you all and hope we can cross paths again in the future. Football is my life and hopefully I’m not out of it too long. I’m proud of what I was doing to take the club forward.
"I wish East Kilbride all the very best for the future, thanks for the support and good luck."
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