SCOTT BROWN has left Ayr United by “mutual consent” with immediate effect.
The legendary former Celtic captain, who won 22 honours at the club, makes his shock exit after the Somerset Park club dropped to eighth in the Championship.
Broony watched his side lose 3-0 to Raith Rovers on Friday evening, a defeat that extended their winless run in to eight games.
Assistant gaffer Steven Whittaker has also departed while veteran forward Jamie Murphy will take over in interim charge as the search for a permanent successor begins.
AYR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW…Scott Brown gives the thumb’s up sign as Ayr United play Celtic in a pre-season friendly at Somerset Park.
A club statement read: “Ayr United confirms that Scott Brown and Steven Whittaker have left the club by mutual consent.
“The club wishes to thank them both for their dedication throughout their time at Ayr United and wish them every success for their future careers.
“Training today will be taken by Jamie Murphy, Tommy Tait and Dave Timmins and there will be a further communication regarding an interim position in due course.”
Forty-year-old Brown was named team chief at the Ayrshire outfit in January 2024 along with long-time friend Whittaker, a former Hibs team-mate.
IT TAKES TWO…Scott Brown and Martin O’Neill share a joke.
They were also together at the Hoops’ hero’s first managerial stint at English club Fleetwood Town which ended in similar circumstances in September 2023 following a bad start to the season.
Brown had been linked with the St Mirren job after Stephen Robinson quit for Aberdeen earlier this month, but the Paisley club have announced they will continue with rookie Craig McLeish in a caretaker capacity until the end of the season.
That decision vetoed any chance of Broony coming face to face twice with Martin O’Neill as the clubs are due to meet in the league at Parkhead on Saturday April 11 and in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden eight days later.
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