Hartley leaves by ‘mutual agreement’

Paul Hartley has left Falkirk after the Bairns lost their opening three Championship games.

The Falkirk board have acted in the wake of Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat by Queen of the South which left them at the foot of the table.

A club statement read: “Falkirk FC can confirm that it has come to a mutual agreement with Paul Hartley who will leave the club with immediate effect.

“The board of directors wish to place on record their gratitude to Paul for all of his work during his time at the Falkirk Stadium. We wish Paul and his family the very best for the future.”

Hartley’s assistant, Gordon Young, will take charge while the Bairns seek a new manager.

The former Alloa and Dundee boss was appointed on October 4 last year following the sacking of Peter Houston.

Falkirk were eighth in the Championship at the time and finished in the same position, 17 points clear of safety but 12 points off the top four.

Hartley, who played for Celtic, Hearts, St Johnstone and Raith Rovers, moved into management with Alloa in 2011 and led the Wasps to successive promotions.

He left the club midway through season 2014-15 and weeks later took over at Dundee.

Hartley led the Dark Blues to the Championship title and his third promotion in three years.

Dundee secured a top-six finish in their first season back in the top flight and were eighth the following year. He left near the end of season 2016-17 after seven defeats in a row.