HILL of Beath Hawthorn were dealt a blow this week when manager Allan Moody made the decision to step down due to "personal reasons".

Hailed for doing an "outstanding job" at the club, he had guided the team to seventh in the East of Scotland Premier League last season and they made a steady start to the new campaign with four points from three games.

However, due to personal circumstances the former Newburgh boss has decided to take time away from football.

Club chairman, Dave Bailie, said: “It is with great sadness that Allan has made this decision and we fully back him.

Hill of Beath boss Allan Moody has stepped away from the club due to personal reasons.Hill of Beath boss Allan Moody has stepped away from the club due to personal reasons. (Image: Newsquest)

“He has done an outstanding job over the past year and we express our thanks to him for all his hard work, both on and off the park, which has taken the club forward.

“While we are disappointed to lose him we totally respect his decision, due to personal reasons, and we will remain in contact and help him in any way we can.

“All the club committee are heartbroken, but we fully respect his decision.”

The chairman said that it was likely that experienced backroom man, Darrin Wright, and streetwise striker, Ross Allum, would look after the squad while the search begins for a new manager.

“We will be approaching Darrin and Ross to look after things meantime and we know they are people we can rely on,” he added.

Moody's last match in charge was a 4-1 home defeat to Penicuik on Saturday. 

The team are currently 11th in the Premier Division.

A club statement had said: "It is with great disappointment that we announce that Allan Moody has stepped down from his position as Haws manager, due to personal commitments, with immediate effect."