MAYBOLE Juniors fans have been left "shocked and stunned" after the departure of the man who has led the club for nearly a decade.

The club's committee announced on November 27 that manager Carlo Walker had left the club.

Walker had been in the Ladywell Stadium hotseat since 2014, and has guided the club to some outstanding high points over the years - most recently promotion to the West of Scotland Football League's First Division at the end of the 2022-23 campaign, when they finished third behind Ashfield and champions Renfrew.

In what would prove to be his final match in charge, Walker led Maybole to a place in the fourth round of the West of Scotland Cup courtesy of a penalty shoot-out win over Giffnock on November 25, with the Bole edging through 7-6 on penalties after a 3-3 draw.

The club thanked Walker for his "outstanding dedication and service".

In a statement posted on social media, a club spokesperson added: "His remarkable commitment has been invaluable, and we extend our best wishes to him for all his future endeavours."

Walker departs the club after a strong start to the season in the West of Scotland Football League First Division.

The 'Bole currently sit in eighth position, six points above the relegation zone - but also only seven points off the promotion places.

Graeme Neil has been appointed as interim manager, supported by Graham McCall and Robert Love.

 

The news was greeted with surprise by supporters - many of whom paid tribute to Walker for his efforts in his nine years at the helm.

 

 

Commenting on the club's social media post, one supporter said: "Carlo did absolutely everything for his club, 99 per cent of people don’t have the slightest clue just how much he did to get Maybole to where it is today.

"Every aspect you can think of, from the shop, to the hospitality, to the park, to the sponsorships, to the players and everyone involved - he was involved.

"Carlo couldn’t meet someone without bringing up Maybole and trying to get them involved in helping the club in some way.

"Most helped- not because they had any affinity with Maybole but because they were fond of Carlo and could see his absolute passion for the club."

Another supporter added: "Shocked and stunned. I just cannot believe that this absolute stalwart of Maybole Juniors has gone.

"He brought so much to the club and not just on the park. He was the reason I gave my support to the club along with my fellow volunteers."

The interim management team's first match in charge is a First Division clash away to Rutherglen Glencairn on Saturday, December 2.