MUSSELBURGH Athletic are searching for a new manager following the departure of Joe Hamill.
The former Hearts and Leicester City midfielder resigned on Sunday after just over a year in charge of the club.
Musselburgh had lost after extra time at home to Newtongrange Star in the first round of the Scottish Cup on Saturday.
Hamill, who was sent off during the game, was sad to be leaving the Olivebank side and said: “First and foremost, it was down to the family and the work side of things.
“When it starts to affect that side of your life, you need to have a look at it. It has not just been overnight.”
Hamill made the move from Haddington Athletic, where he was player/manager, to Musselburgh early last season, replacing Kevin Milne.
The Honest Toun side finished eighth in the East of Scotland Football League Premier Division standings after a poor second half to the campaign.
A number of new faces were brought to the club during the summer but Burgh have had an inconsistent start to the campaign, defeating Penicuik Athletic and Linlithgow Rose – who finished second and third respectively last season – but losing all three games played at home.
Hamill (pictured inset), who works with doctors out of hours through the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, congratulated Nitten, who play in the division below Musselburgh.
He said: “Well done to Newtongrange Star, Chris King and the boys; all the best to them in the next round.
“The game was poor and we did not deserve to win it but I don’t think they did either.
“It was one of those games where it was scrappy but credit to them, they are through to the next round.”
Hamill and assistant boss David Simmonds have both left the club, who will travel to Haddington this weekend in the search for three points.
The club has already confirmed it is working on finding a successor, with “a couple of the more experienced players” expected to lead the team during the search for a replacement.
Hamill said: “Family comes first.
“Myself and David had great times and will take a bit of time out and see what happens in the next few weeks and months.
“We will no doubt look to get back into it in some form but just now that is it done.
“We wish Musselburgh all the best – the players, the committee, the staff and obviously the fans – we will take a wee bit of time out.”
Kevin Liston, vice-president of the club, thanked both Hamill and Simmonds for their efforts at the club and was looking to the future.
He stressed the club wanted to make sure they got the right person at the helm as they looked to push up the table.
He said: “Musselburgh is a big club and it is a big job for anybody.
“We are very ambitious – you’ve got to be.
“You cannot stand still in football and as a committee we want the best for the club.
“We are desperate to do our best for them and will go and see what is what.
“Hopefully, we will get the right team in.”
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