HAVING just won promotion from the Central Second Division with a 1-0 victory over Newmains United, East Kilbride Thistle’s celebrations were cut short by manager Billy Campbell’s shock announcement that he was resigning.

Big stopper Ross Gillan headed home a second-half goal to seal victory in the final league game and pip rivals Lanark United to the third promotion place behind Port Glasgow and champions Glasgow Perthshire.

But the result prompted 50-year-old Campbell to relinquish the post he inherited from friend Alan Wardlaw just under three seasons ago and he told the players while they were still celebrating their achievement out on the pitch.

Campbell said: “I spoke with club officials as long ago as last winter to say I would be calling it a day at the season’s finish and I have been motivated ever since by a burning desire to put East Kilbride in a better place than when I took over as manager.

“There’s been no fall out with anyone and I’ve nothing else planned so you won’t be hearing of me moving to another club but I will say this is not a decision I took lightly.

“The people at the club and of course the players mean the world to me but I just think the time is right to step aside and let someone fresh come in and take up the reins.

“I had initially thought my No 2 Gary Johnston might fancy stepping into the breach but he has said he wishes to walk away with me and I fully respect his take on things.

“I believe this is the club’s first promotion winning season in 11 years and I didn’t want to steal any of the thunder away from a magnificent achievement by the players but neither did I want them to get wind of my decision to quit without hearing it from the horse’s mouth.”

East Kilbride club officials have moved quickly to invite applications for their vacant manager’s chair, a move back by Campbell who believes it is a necessity to prevent other clubs approaching some of the team’s star turns.

“I leave with a barrow load of great memories and with a deep sense of satisfaction for helping to develop the likes of goal-

keeper Chris Treacey, Liam McLaughlin and Jordan Brown who will be much sought after by higher league clubs.

“Whether this is now farewell but not goodbye only time will tell but I will make a point of getting along to see the guys in action next season.”

Veteran campaigner John Craig might have been a cand-idate to take over from Campbell but he has decided to hang up his boots, while experienced pair Aaron Connolly and Alan McFadden are tipped to move elsewhere .

Club captain McFadden said: “This is a watershed moment for myself as well as Billy as I promised to stay loyal and see out this season with him so I’m happy to have kept my word.

“But now I feel it’s only fair to look for a new challenge and hopefully someone out there will take a chance on me as I feel more than capable of doing a job after three-and-a-bit years with Thistle under Billy and before him Wardy.

“We picked up only eight points in my first season here so to now win promotion has been an outstanding feat by the players and of course Billy and Gary.”

Another team manager turning his back on the Junior game is Gordon Burns of Troon who has tendered his resignation due to family commitments.

The word is the relegated outfit will have current general manager Jim Kirkwood at the helm next season assisted by former Kilmarnock youth coach Matt Maley.