Irvine Meadow chairman Robert Jeffrey admits the club face a 'difficult' few weeks ahead in the wake of manager George Grierson's shock departure.
The West of Scotland League Premier Division club are searching for their third manager of the season after Grierson tendered his resignation yesterday afternoon, citing personal reasons.
Ayrshire Football News broke the story early this morning and a subsequent statement from Meadow chairman Robert Jeffrey has shed further light on the circumstances behind the bombshell exit.
Jeffrey claimed the news came as a 'great surprise to everyone at the club' and admitted a period of stability was now crucial going forward.
He said: "Irvine Meadow can confirm George Grierson resigned as first team manager yesterday afternoon, citing personal reasons for the decision.
"This has come as a great surprise to everyone at the club as I had a long meeting with him on Tuesday night and he was very positive about the way forward for the club.
"He also did a question and answer session at the social club on Wednesday and took training on Thursday night and seemingly everything went well.
"George has had some health problems this season but was recently given a clean bill of health and was very active on the training ground.
"This will be a difficult few weeks for the club and I urge all supporters to get behind the team in this very competitive league with the main objective to remain in the Premier Division."
"We thank George for his contribution and hard work and wish him well for the future.
Grierson's assistant Kevin Deeney will take the team for today's league clash away to Hurlford United, but his long-term position at the club is unclear.
Jeffrey confirmed: "Kevin Deeney will take the team today and the Irvine Meadow committee will meet on Tuesday night to discuss the way forward.
"What is important now is that we get a bit of stability at the club in terms of recruitment.
"We will hopefully look to make a quick appointment, with a focus on the long term."
Meadow were fourth bottom of the 16-team Premier Division when Grierson took charge in September.
They currently sit seventh with 23 points from 16 games having won seven of their league matches this term.
Grierson, who was sidelined for several weeks earlier in the season after he suffered a dislocated hip, confirmed to Ayrshire Football News that he was stepping aside for personal reasons.
He added: "I want to wish the players all the best for the rest of season and beyond."
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