Jeanfield Swifts manager Ross Gunnion admits Saturday was an emotional occasion as he took charge of the team for the final time.
Gunnion will be remaining at the Riverside behind the scenes moving forward but is taking a step back from his current role.
He first stepped into the position of manager at the tail end of the 2014/15 campaign and would help the Perth club rise through the ranks, winning the East Premier League title in 2016.
They would then consolidate their place in the Super League before making a smooth transition from Juniors to the East of Scotland Football League.
That is where Swifts continue to ply their trade and where they have just finished sixth in the Premier Division.
The journey to this point has included memorable Scottish Cup appearances and a run to the second round where they ran Annan Athletic close in 2021.
Gunnion, after the curtain-closing fixture against Haddington, told the PA: “It was an emotional afternoon as it’ll be the last one for me as manager.
“Logan McConachie, Daryn Smith, Michael Dott and Scott Cummings are also taking a step back from their coaching roles and I want to thank them for the efforts they’ve made into turning Jeanfield into a fantastic footballing side.
“They’ve certainly made my life at the club easier and more enjoyable.
“When I took over at the club we had no players signed and were in real danger of going into abeyance.
“I think it’s safe to say we’ve left the team in a better place than when we found it and hopefully given the new management a platform to build on.”
Gunnion said that a new management team will be announced in due course.
He explained: “Both Scott Cummings and I have agreed to stay behind the scenes at the club as I believe there is a huge amount of potential off the field.
“We’re only scratching the surface of the work we’re doing in the community and local area and I’d love to help the club improve in that sense.
“The club will be announcing a new management team in due course and I’ll be around to help them in whatever way I can.”
Swifts were defeated 2-1 by Haddington on Saturday afternoon in a fixture where skipper Aaron Whitehead was ordered off early doors. Fraser Smith was the scorer in East Lothian.
“Losing a man so early was a blow, especially in the heat,” Gunnion said.
“The players put in a huge amount of effort but we just couldn’t get a break.
“It draws the curtain down on a tough season. We have shown what we are capable of at times but injuries and a little inconsistency just hampered us after Christmas.”
