CHARLIE MULGREW has resigned from his role as boss of Kelty Hearts just days after a humiliating loss to already-relegated Dumbarton.
The former Celtic hero replaced Michael Tidser in the dugout at New Central Park after Tidser left for Dunfermline in January.
Tidser was dramatically sacked after just 11 games by the Pars and has since been replaced by Neil Lennon.
And the man who took his place at Kelty has left after the same number of matches.
Mulgrew won just one of his 11 fixtures in charge of the League One side, drawing three and losing seven.
He was open about wanting to play expansive football with the Maroon Machine but fans struggled to get on board with his tactics.
And the 6-0 defeat to Dumbarton at the weekend was the final straw.
Dumbarton, who have been mired in financial problems and face dropping down to League Two next season, stunned the Hearts on their own turf as things went from bad to worse for Mulgrew.
They were 3-0 down at half-time and in the second half Ross Cunningham was sent off as the Sons continued to run riot.
The result leaves Kelty in seventh place, eight points adrift of the play-off spots and, perhaps more worryingly, only four clear of the relegation zone.
Mulgrew, 39, felt he was left with no choice but to offer his resignation. His No2 Mark Kerr will also leave with him.
A statement from the club said: “Kelty Hearts FC can confirm that manager, Charlie Mulgrew, has today tendered his resignation from the post, which has been accepted by the club Board. We can also confirm that assistant manager, Mark Kerr, will leave the club by mutual agreement
“Although only with the club for a short period, the Board would like to place on record their recognition and thanks for the hard work Charlie and Mark have done on the club’s behalf during their tenure. Everyone at New Central Park would like to wish Charlie and Mark the very best of fortune for their future ventures.”
After the news broke, fans began speculating that Kelty have a ready-made replacement.
Indeed, the very man that Mulgrew replaced: the now available former boss Tidser.
One supporter said: “Tidser is available.”
Another punter quipped: “Michael Tidser, you awake?”
A third said: “Hasn’t worked out at all for them. At least they’ll be able to get Tidser back in and made money on that side.”
And an Inverness fan joked: “Bugger, they’re going to get Tidser back in for Saturday, aren’t they?”
Before another Kelty fan remarked: “Makes perfect sense. The lack of direction from the sidelines was highly questionable and the perplexing keep ball tactics at all cost when drawing and or losing was maddening.”
