Fort William have announced that manager Shadab Iftikhar will not be in charge of the club next season.
The Lochaber outfit have been relegated from the Breedon Highland League after withdrawing from the pyramid play-off against Superleague champions Banks o’ Dee on the eve of the first leg because of issues regarding player eligibility and the state of the pitch at Claggan Park.
Fort have taken their case to the Scottish FA and issued a statement refuting the Highland League’s claims about their lack of eligible players and taking issue with the inspection of Claggan Park.
While it remains to be seen where Fort will be playing their football next season, Iftikhar will not be at the helm.
Iftikhar, who gained his Uefa A License aged just 22, previously worked for Roberto Martinez at Wigan Athletic, Everton and the Belgium national team.
He was appointed as Fort boss in November but was unable to prevent the club finishing bottom of the Highland League table.
Fort finished the season with one win, four draws and 29 defeats and were 11 points adrift of second bottom Turriff United.
A statement from Fort William said Iftikhar has informed the club that he won’t be staying as manager next season “as he wants to focus on his other football commitments overseas.”
News regarding management team 👇 pic.twitter.com/OJGWq7oDha
— Fort William FC (@FortWilliamFC) May 22, 2022
Iftikhar said: “It’s been a very tough decision, a decision made with my head not heart.
“I will never forget this unbelievable experience, I want to thank firstly my players for everything they gave me, the board who gave me this opportunity and finally the fans who have made such an effort with me and I will be forever grateful.
“I believe the club is laying a strong foundation which will lead to a sustained period of success. Mon the Fort!”
The Fort William statement added: “The club would like to thank Shadab for stepping in as manager in a unique situation and thank him for all the effort, work and dedication him and his staff did during his reign.
“We wish him the best of luck in what is surly a very bright future.
“Shadab will be supporting the club with the ongoing situation with the Highland league and continues to scout talent for the Fort. We wish him all the best.”
WATCH FOR FREE: Our Highland League Weekly 2021/22 season review show is out NOW!
