PRESTON Athletic are on the lookout for a new manager after Craig Nisbet left the club at the weekend. 

The Lowland League outfit were thrashed 7-1 at home by East Stirlingshire on Saturday, a result which condemned Preston to bottom spot in the table. 

The club is facing the prospect of life in the East of Scotland League next season, and Nisbet was disappointed he and coach James Maloney would not get an opportunity to attempt to guide the side back to the Lowland League.

Nisbet told Courier Sport he was disappointed to have left the club, and admitted he and assistant Maloney were "slightly bemused" by the timing of their departure.

He said: "James [Maloney] and I gave everything to try to improve the playing staff and results, however we were severely hamstrung financially and had to try and get the best out of the squad we had.

"We both believed we were going to get the opportunity to get the club back into the Lowland League with an improved budget which would have made us competitive at the right end of the East of Scotland League.

"Unfortunately we will not get this chance and someone else will prosper without having to face the difficulties we did.

"We are both slightly bemused by the timing of the decision with 2 league games and a league cup fixture but again respect the decision."

The 38-year-old also thanked the club where he played more than a decade ago for the chance to take the managerial role

Nisbet added: "I would like to place on record my thanks to Preston Athletic FC for the opportunity to manage a club that I have great affinity for. 

"James and I would like to wish the club the very best of luck, and would like to thank the various people who have sent messages of support, particularly our peers in the footballing community."

Preston Athletic confirmed the manager's departure in a statement, which read: "Preston Athletic regret to announce that the club have decided to part company with the manager, Craig Nisbet and coach James Maloney.

"The committee wish to thank Craig and James for their hard work, effort and commitment during their time with the club and wish them all the best for the future.

"The club’s position regarding arrangements for a replacement management team will be made known as soon as possible."

Nisbet took over from Colin Jack in the Pennypit hotseat and leaves with the club now seeking a fourth permanent manager in as many years.

David Bingham was succededed by Willie Kirk in October 2014, but he lasted just seven months before leaving for Bristol Ladies.