Paul Hegarty last night insisted that he and Montrose have “parted on very good terms” after admitting that this season hasn’t panned out as he had hoped.
The former Dundee United and Scotland player saved Montrose from dropping out of the SPFL when he steered them to a nerve-shredding play-off victory over Brora Rangers.
Then last season they comfortably avoided relegation.
Hegarty had hoped that the Gable Endies would have been in the League Two play-off places, or very near to them, at this point in the campaign. But they are currently second bottom, having lost to fellow strugglers Cowdenbeath at the weekend.
“Results haven’t gone to plan,” Hegarty told Courier Sport.
“I met the chairman John Crawford today and we have parted on very good terms. I can understand their position.
“It’s a smashing club and I had a great bunch of boys to work with. I just wish we were in a better position in the table.
“We’ve had some good results this season but it has been topsy-turvy. We’ve only won three league games and scored 12 goals and I had hoped that we would be fourth or fifth with the squad we’ve got.”
Hegarty (62), who will say his goodbyes to his players at training tonight, hasn’t ruled out a return to football.
“There are always new kids on the block,” he said. “That’s the way of the world.
“You always want to stay in the game. It’s in your blood. If something comes up that would suit me then I would have to look at it.”
Edinburgh City, who failed to win any of their first 17 games, have now racked up three victories in a row and just two points separate them and Montrose.
Hegarty’s assistant John Holt will take charge of Saturday’s local derby against Forfar, with the board inviting applications for the post.
Montrose chairman John Crawford said: “On behalf of the board and everyone at the club I would like to thank Paul for all his efforts during his time with us.
“He has been a true professional and it has been a pleasure to work with him. We wish him all the best and every success for the future.
“Paul arrived at a real low point in our history and was instrumental in building enough confidence back into the team to get them over the line in the play-off final.
“We came perilously close and, as East Stirlingshire found to their cost, you can’t take anything for granted anymore in this league. We will always be indebted for Paul keeping us up.”
