Rutherglen Reformer

Defeat is last straw as Clyde sack Jim

- Murray Spooner

Jim Chapman has been sacked after Clyde slumped to their fifth game in a row without a win.

The Bully Wee boss was relieved of his duties late on Tuesday afternoon.

The decision followed a 4-2 loss at home to Elgin.

Chapman and assistant John Joyce had a shouting match with angry fans as they left the ground.

Clyde chairman Norrie Innes said: “For a number of reasons, things have not gone to plan on the footballin­g side.

“Since my appointmen­t, we as a board have worked very hard on the commercial and footballin­g operationa­l side of the club. On both, we have made significan­t progress and we are building positive, long-term relationsh­ips and core facilities that will continue regardless of who is in position.

“However, it is clear that the overall performanc­e, league results and position are not aligned with our expectatio­ns.

“Change can be disruptive and challengin­g, especially for a part-time club, but this decision provides all parties with the opportunit­y to learn from the experience, move on and pursue our respective objectives and priorities. We wish Jim and John well in the future.

“We will now seek a new management team that will enable us to progress toward our footballin­g objectives.”

After Saturday’s match, Chapman had insisted: “I’ve enjoyed myself, I am enjoying myself.

“I think I know what I’m facing. But I won’t quit.

“I believe in the team, I believe in the players and what we are doing here and the infrastruc­ture we are already building.”

He continued: “It’s like trying to turn the Titanic around in the Clyde.

“Given time, I will turn it around but in football you don’t get much time.”

The Bully Wee actually took the lead on Saturday when David Goodwillie swept home from 12 yards.

Elgin pulled level with a fierce, rifled shot by Ally Sutherland,

Just before the hour mark Thomas Reilly headed Elgin in front before Darryl McHardy steered in a fabulous third.

Smart Osadolor gave Clyde some hope but City sub Jordan Allan lobbed Currie to seal the win.

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