Allan Moore has been left stunned by Arbroath’s decision to sack him after he had the Gayfield side just 20 minutes from securing a play-off berth at the weekend.
The former Stirling Albion and Morton manager was dismissed in a phone call from Chairman John Christianson with Moore left to regret Elgin’s late winner in Saturday’s meeting between the sides.
Former Stirling and Morton boss Moore joined the Red Lichties last summer to replace Paul Sheerin and made an impact as Arbroath streaked into the lead in League Two.
Results from Christmas have been disappointing and both Albion Rovers and Queen’s Park have overtaken Arbroath in the table , though promotion via the play-offs could still be achieved.
Moore said: “I am disappointed that I am not getting the opportunity to finish the job I was brought in to do.
“We were nearly in the play-offs at the weekend before we lost a controversial goal and we had three games left to get there.”
“We have four players out just now with injury and they will be back for the play-offs so I am not getting the chance to go for promotion which was my target.”
Moore’s assistant Todd Lumsden has been given the chance to take over on an interim basis, but has not yet agreed to do so.
Moore added: “I am upset that I have not been given the full season and disappointed to be told over the phone on a Sunday afternoon after spending several hours with the Board on Saturday coming back from Elgin.”
“Results from Christmas time have not been good but there were reasons for that and we would have had a fuller squad for the run-in so the decision hurts.”
The club are actively seeking applications for Moore’s successor.