TWO successive Highland League titles have not been enough to save Doug Rougvie, who was yesterday sacked as manager of Huntly.
The 41-year-old former Aberdeen and Chelsea defender has been axed by the club who are seeking a record breaking five championships in a row. They have made a poor start to the season and Rougvie has paid the ultimate price.
Rougvie was told in a face-to-face meeting with Huntly chairman Mike Henry that his playing contract was also being cancelled. Henry said: ''There is no room for sentiment in soccer, although Doug has been a marvellous servant to us. But we can't afford to let standards drop in such an important season.''
Rougvie, who lifted two titles and three cups, plus a Scottish Cup run, in his two-and-a-half seasons in charge, said: ''I am disappointed, but these things happen in football. I enjoyed great years at Huntly as a player and manager and I am grateful Mike told me face to face.''
Favourite to take over is former Lossiemouth manager Fraser Kellas, who had an impressive record with the Coasters before quitting at the start of this season.
qScotland are out of the UEFA under-18 championship, despite a 3-0 win over Bosnia last night in France.
With the French beating Denmark 2-0, the host nation top the section and go into the finals next year. Scotland coach Ross Mathie said: ''We are all disappointed but also pleased that we played so well.
''It was all down to 20 crazy minutes in the second half of our first game against France, when tiredness caught up on our boys. But, after that defeat, we have played really well.''
Manchester United's Alex Notman was again on target last night with a double following his hat-trick against the Danes. Dundee United's Jim Paterson got the other.
qAYR United are set to tie up the signing of 22-year-old Australian defender Richard Watson.
He has impressed Somerset Park manager Gordon Dalziel while on trial and is expected to sign within the next 24 hours. Watson will be Dalziel's third signing of the week after he snapped up French pair Luc Sonor and Laurent D'jaffo.
qALBION Rovers last night signed striker Sandy Ross from Ross County in a four-figure deal and he is set to make his debut on Saturday against East Stirling.
Albion also introduced the youngest ever player to turn out for the club when 15-year-old Coatbridge schoolboy Martin Harty played against a Hong Kong side in a friendly.
Meantime, Rovers last night announced their latest signing - floodlights from Wales' Cardiff Arms Park. They have bought the lights from the home of Welsh rugby because the stadium is being redeveloped and they have no need for their floodlights.
The lights will go nicely with seats from the demolished Hampden main stand, which were bought for Rovers' stand.
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