After completing their first Grand Slam season in 19 years, Kingussie are on the lookout for a new manager to be appointed within three weeks.
John Gibson stepped down after the goalless draw at Lovat – and, as a parting gift, that evening he collected the Mowi Premiership Manager of the Year trophy.
Gibson’s magnificent spell in charge at The Dell saw him become the third person to win a Grand Slam as a player and as a manager, following Donnie Grant and Jimmy Gow.
Club president Russell Jones said: “John has done a superb job and steps down with our best wishes.
“He leaves a team where most of the players are maybe two or three years away from their peak, so there is an opportunity for his successor to build on.
“Our AGM is in the first week of December, when a new manager will be appointed, so we need to consider our options fairly quickly.
“There are, however, quite a number of good coaches at all levels within the club. That makes me hopeful that someone will step forward to fill the first team role.”
Gibson wants more time to commit to his family and his decision is not wholly unexpected, with a Grand Slam the perfect way to bow out.
He has guided the Red and Blues to two Premierships, the trophy for the second being handed over at Kiltarlity as a success-laded Kingussie season ended.
The draw on a heavy Balgate Park pitch means Kings finish their season with only one defeat in all competitions, away to Kinlochshiel in the league.
Lovat put up a fine performance in a really competitive clash.
The goalless affair means that Kingussie’s Roddy Young, the cub’s highest scorer since the Ronald Ross era, finishes locked on 36 goals apiece with Caberfeidh’s Craig Morrison as the Premiership’s joint top marksman.
MacRae to stay on at Glasgow Mid Argyll
Former Lovat and Beauly boss Allan MacRae has decided to stay on as Glasgow Mid Argyll manager next season after a successful first campaign in which the Peterson Park club won the Celtic Society Cup and retained their Mowi Premiership status.
He said: “I’ve enjoyed being back in the game and they’re a good bunch of lads.
“Hopefully there is something to build on and I’m happy to have another go.”
Mid Argyll finished with a 2-1 defeat to Kyles Athletic at Dunoon Stadium, giving a farewell victory to the Blues’ manager Robert Baxter, who has stepped down due to other commitments.
Luke Thornton slammed Kyles ahead nine minutes in to the second half with Ross MacRae making it 2-0 in 80 minutes before James Macleod pulled one back three minutes from the end.
Newtonmore were crowned North First Division champions after a 7-0 home win over Lovat colts.
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