THE manager of Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts' senior side has announced that he is stepping away from his role.

Grant Brough, who took charge of the team in 2019, announced yesterday evening (Tuesday) that he would be leaving his position following the conclusion of their East of Scotland League, Premier Division campaign.

He will be replaced at the helm by experienced defender, Pat Scullion, who has been "heavily involved with the coaching team" since joining the club, with Brough's assistant Tam Graham, and player / coach, Josh Morris, also vacating their roles.

Brough, who will remain with the Swifts as their 'head of senior football', led the team to a 10th placed finish, which saw them end the campaign comfortably clear of any possible relegation trouble.

Citing a number of factors coming up for his reason to relinquish his position, Brough said: "To be a manager I can't be harping on demanding total commitment of the players and then be missing training and games here and there myself because, to do the job right, you have to be all in to do the role right.

"It’s not really a decision I wanted to make but for the club I feel at this precise moment it’s the right decision to ensure we keep moving forward.

"Into next season I will be retaining my role as head of senior football with the Swifts to help keep pushing the club in the right directing and ensuring we keep providing a pathway and developing talented players. I will be heavily involved in the background using my experience and knowledge to help ensure the senior section and our pathway works for the club.

"Moving forward, Pat Scullion will take the reigns as manager. Pat has been heavily involved with the coaching team since joining the club and will be a great asset to the club moving forward in the managers role.

"With the support of his fellow coaches I truly believe we can continue to keep growing as a club and keep pushing on. It is an exciting time to be a Swift."

Expressing his thanks to his family, the club's committee and coaching team, Brough said he was "lucky enough to be the manager of the best group of players", who he felt were written off by outsiders as a team "who would be the whipping boys of the league".

He added: "The effort, commitment and attitude they have shown has been first class and the season they have just completed was amazing.

"I have been proud to lead them and lead the Swifts."