Swansong for Nesbitt and Dolan as Albert duo seek new challenge
ROYAL Albert’s long-serving manager Jamie Nesbitt and player/assistant boss Chris Dolan are serving their notice after club officials revealed the popular duo will be leaving at the end of this season.
It’s thought unlikely they will be short of suitors after steering the Lanarkshire club to the 2017/18 Central Second Division title – a first trophy in almost 90 years – and club officials have already begun the search for their replacements.
An announcement yesterday stated: “Jamie Nesbitt and Chris Dolan will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
“Obviously all at the club are disappointed but understand their reasons for leaving and we know this decision was not easy for Jamie because of his length of time at the club but we understand and support his look for a new challenge.
“What he and Dolsey and the players have done over the last two seasons is amazing and thanks to them we have come from being a lowly Second Division team to a decent First Division team, made even more remarkable by the lack of finances available to them.
“The club are in advanced talks for their replacements and we will hopefully announce this shortly.”
The erstwhile Wishaw and Larkhall Thistle manager Derek Holmes is thought to be one of the names in the frame as is ex-Forth Wanderers gaffer Ian Rankin and experienced Albert player/ coach Simon Eeles, but it’s not known if anyone has been sounded out as yet.
Last night Nesbitt said: “It’s a huge wrench for Chris and I to be walking away but it is a very amicable parting with officials accepting we have taken them as far as we can and need a new challenge.”
Nesbitt and Dolan’s impending availability might attract the interest of Premiership bottom markers Cambuslang Rangers whose search for a new manager following the resignation of Billy Campbell is underway.
The outgoing Lang boss said: “I consider myself very supportive of new chairman David Kerr and I was keen to have a crack at keeping the club in the top flight but too many factors have combined against me, not least the decision made to grant free transfers to the playing squad.”