Ayr sack Lee Bullen but criticise abuse from supporters
Bullen was sacked after a run of five games without a victory
Ayr have sacked Lee Bullen but criticised supporters who subjected their head coach to abuse.
Bullen has lost his job after two years in the role after a run of five games without defeat left Ayr ninth in the Championship.
The former Dunfermline and Sheffield Wednesday player led Ayr to the Premiership play-offs last season and they are seven points off fourth spot following Saturday's goalless draw at bottom club Arbroath.
Chairman David Smith said "It is undeniable that the club is unrecognisable from the one Lee walked in to over two years ago and this is testament to his work throughout his time as head coach.
"He has delivered the on-field targets set by the board throughout his time in charge from avoiding relegation in the 2021/22 season, to overachieving on expectations with a second place finish last season, in addition to generating a significant player sale for the first time in many years.
"The relationship with the academy has never been stronger and much of that is down to Lee's time and effort in developing that link. Few will know the personal sacrifices he has made to make our club better.
"Despite having the obvious challenge of recruiting a new midfield given injuries at the start of the season, ultimately on-field results over a sustained period of time have not been good enough and it is with real regret that we have come to this decision."
A club statement added that "abuse of any individual is not acceptable".
"Lee has been subject to abuse both online and in stadiums over recent weeks," it read. "Nobody deserves any form of abuse, it is never justifiable and we urge supporters to challenge this type of behaviour whenever they see or hear it."
--
Hear all the latest news from across Glasgow and the West on the hour, every hour, at Clyde 1. Listen on FM, via our Radio Clyde app, on your DAB radio, online at Clyde1.com, or say ‘Play Clyde 1’ on your Smart Speaker.