Jack Crawford

FORMER Johnstone Burgh boss Jamie McKim admits being sacked has left a sour taste in his mouth.

McKim was dismissed after the team’s 3-2 defeat at home to Kilwinning Rangers at the weekend.

He had managed Burgh for more than six years, guiding them from the depths of Junior football to the verge of the Premier Division.

Saturday’s result was their fourth defeat in five games, leaving them in 10th place in the First Division, but promotion remains in their own hands and they also have a Scottish Junior Cup semifinal on the horizon.

McKim admits results have been poor in recent weeks but insists he should have been given more time to turn things around.

He told Gazette Sport: “I got a text on Sunday morning to go for a meeting and was basically told it was the end.

“I feel incredibly sore. I haven’t taken it well and feel really let down.

“We’ve had a really bad run over the last five games but to have signed a new contract five weeks ago on the back of a good run and getting into a Scottish Junior Cup semi-final and then leave at this point leaves a sour taste.”

McKim took over in January 2018, with Burgh sitting second bottom in the Fourth Division.

Since then, he has clinched two promotions, with Burgh now one of the big fish in the First Division of the West of Scotland Football League.

Expectations have been high this season after new financial backing resulted in a string of star signings, including Kyle Lafferty and Graham Dorrans.

McKim said: “I thought I would have been given a wee bit of extra time to get it right, considering promotion is still in our hands and we are still in the Scottish Cup.

“It’s been my life for six years and I’ve given it everything and I think I deserved a lot more.”

Burgh have confirmed that coaches David Hill, Davie James and Bernard McPhee have also departed Keanie Park.

A spokesperson said: “We would like to put on record our sincere gratitude to Jamie for his hard work during his six years here.

“We wish Jamie all the best for the future.”

Tommy Montgomery and Ross Wilson will take charge against Thorniewood tonight, with a 7.45pm kick-off at Clinftonhill.

Burgh will then host league leaders Petershill on Saturday, with a 2pm kick-off.