Chairman Neill Wilson said that board members made the decision to go for a fresh face following a meeting on Sunday evening, a day after the Loons lost two-nil at Stenhousemuir to remain firmly entrenched in second-bottom spot in the league table.

"The management committee met on Sunday evening at regretfully decided to release Jim Moffat from his job," commented Mr Wilson.

"We have had an excellent relationship with Jim and there is no questioning his dedication and work ethic, but things have not worked out as we had all hoped.

"At the start of the season, a play-off spot was our aim but we have fallen short of that by a long way.

"We felt, therefore, that we make a fresh start ahead of next season and the search is now on for a successor."

Assistant manager Willie Gardner will take charge of team affairs for the final match of the current campaign this coming Saturday - when Dumbarton are at Station Park.