Craig McEwan says he feels ‘let down’ by the club he loves as he resigned as Glenafton Athletic’s manager after a 10 year association with the club.

His resignation came after the Glens committee voted to withdraw the club from this season’s West of Scotland Football League without giving advance warning to McEwan and his players.

Auchinleck Talbot and Cumnock Juniors also withdrew from the new set-up but Glenafton had originally voted yes to start the season before breaking the bombshell news to their unsuspecting manager with just minutes to go before the deadline.

McEwan told the Chronicle: “It was a gut-wrenching and hard decision to make. I have had a huge affiliation with the club for 10 years as a player and manager.

“I received a phone call saying the club was putting in a notice of withdrawal minutes before the deadline and I immediately resigned from my post.

“I thought my position had become untenable considering I have been an advocate of starting back in a safe environment.

“The club needs to do what is right for them and I respect their decision but I had no inclination this was going to happen.

“I was gobsmacked and numb when I found out they were withdrawing.

“The decision was made without any consultation with myself or the players and I felt let down. After 10 seasons it does not sit right with me that this is the way I am bowing out of the club.

“Players are hurt and disappointed that there was no consultation at any stage. They feel they were owed that. I believe the biggest bulk of the squad will move on because they want to play.

“I still love the club and have had some amazing memories, most notably being inducted into the club’s hall of fame, winning the treble as a manager and competing in the Scottish Cup.

“Nobody can take the memories away from me and part of them was enjoying the success with our fans, who have been amazing. It’s been years of making memories to cherish and for me it’s just disappointing to leave with a bitter taste.”