IRVINE Victoria have announced that manager Dougie MacDuff will stand down from his role at the end of this season.

It will bring to an end a three-year spell at the club for MacDuff, who is set to depart alongside his assistant boss, Sean Cyrans.

The pair have overseen a remarkable turnaround at Victoria Park after taking over when the club was at one of its lowest points.

However, under their guidance the Vics have once again built a strong squad which has been competing for promotion for much of their reign.

The Irvine Victoria committee thanked the duo for their time at the club when they announced their departure at the weekend.

They have also encouraged fans to come along and give both MacDuff and Cryans a proper send-off in their final home match, against Finnart on Friday, May 10.

A spokesperson said: "The club unfortunately have to announce that first team manager Dougie MacDuff has informed the committee of his intention to stand down as manager of Irvine Victoria at the end of the season.

"His assistant manager Sean Cryans will also be leaving his post.

"Irvine Victoria are extremely grateful to Dougie and his coaches for stepping into the role under difficult circumstances three seasons ago.

"They have set a great standard over the last few years by creating a competitive and entertaining team on the park that just missed out on promotion by one point last season.

"Thanks Dougie for all your efforts on and off the park - you are always welcome at Victoria Park.

"Further information on our new manager will be announced in due course but come along to our last home game against Finnart to see Dougie off on a high."

Irvine Times:

The departing manager also issued a statement thanking all those at the club for their support during his time in charge.

MacDuff said: "I have decided to step down at the end of the season. It's been an honour to work as manager of this fantastic football club.

"I would like to thank the committee for giving me the chance to get back into football after several years out for personal issues.

"They work hard off the park trying to keep the club alive and running in these difficult times.

"I have worked with some fantastic players in my time at the club and had the backing of loyal supporters who turn out every weekend for their team.

"I hope the club continues to make strides in the forthcoming years.

"I would like also to thank Sean, who has been giving up his time every week to stand by my side in difficult situations, and wish him every success in the future.

"All the best to Irvine Victoria."

MacDuff will depart after guiding the Vics to a mid-table in the West of Scotland Football League (WoSFL) Third Division.

With two matches still to play, Toria can finish as high as fifth position or as low as 10th depending on their results and those of others.

Friday night's match at home to Finnart kicks off at 7.15pm.

Vics' last match of the season, and MacDuff and Cryans' final game at the helm, is away to Lesmahagow on Saturday, May 18 (KO 2pm).