Assistant manager Billy Dodds will take control of first team affairs until chairman Eddie Thompson finds a long-term replacement.

Thompson said: “It is with considerable regret, and I do not use this term lightly, that I have to announce the departure of Gordon Chisholm.

“It is hugely disappointing that it has come to this but it is clear that performance standards and results are not as high as expected.

“I would like to thank Gordon for all his efforts. He has behaved with great dignity.

“Billy Dodds has agreed to take charge on a temporary basis and he will now start the formal process of finding a permanent managerial team.”