Vale manager Churchill left flabbergasted by sacking after just two games

Vale of Leithen have sacked their manager Stewart Churchill only two games into the season after he took over at the end of last season.

Vale opened their first campaign in the Central Taxis Premier Division for six seasons, after gaining promotion, with a 1-0 victory against Heriot-Watt University on Saturday. However, they lost 2-0 at home to Selkirk on Wednesday evening and, after the game, Churchill was informed that he was no longer the manager.

"Generally, there was some unrest within the committee and it was decided that it was better to make the decision to part company sooner, rather than later," said a Vale spokesman.

"Stewart is a great guy and a great coach and his departure is not just about our two opening games. In one of our pre-season matches, we were beaten 5-0 by our Border Amateur neighbours, Leithen Rovers.

"We play Hawick Royal Albert on Saturday and player/coach Robbie Horn will be in charge along with Stuart Gray and David McGinlay while we begin the search for a new manager. Our former manager, Rab Paget, who got us promoted last season, will come in to help with this process and he will have a very strong capacity."

Meanwhile, the disappointed Churchill said: "I cannot believe that I have been sacked only two games into the season. I said to the Vale chairman, Ken Brown, that I was flabbergasted. Obviously, there is some stuff behind the scenes that I am not aware of and I did feel that I was banging my head against a brick wall.

"I did not have three players available in these opening games - Kerr Dodds and Andy Martin were injured and striker Steven Radzynski was suspended. Although we were beaten by Selkirk there have already been several other strange results in the Premier Division this season."