Speirs leaves Queen's Park

Queen’s Park have parted company with head coach Gardner Speirs, who had been at the helm for almost six years.

Speirs was the longest-serving manager in the SPFL, having taken over from Billy Stark in January 2008 and his departure means that title now lies with Forfar boss Dick Campbell, who took charge at Station Park in May 2008.

A statement on the Queen’s Park website said the decision was reached by all parties last week but it was agreed that Speirs would stay on until after today’s game with Berwick Rangers, which the visitors won 4-0 at the Excelsior Stadium.

The Spiders are enduring a difficult campaign and are bottom of League 2 after losing the bulk of their squad during the summer.

Club President Ross Caven told the club website: “I am disappointed that Gardner is to leave the club and the respect we have for him, as well as the respect he has for us, is evidenced by his agreement to take the team against Berwick.

“This season has been a difficult one results-wise, however during his time with us Gardner regularly turned out sides that would challenge for promotion by playing a very exciting brand of football. We lost almost an entire squad during the summer and Gardner has started the process of rebuilding.”

Speirs said: “There has been no fall-out but there was a feeling that things have run their course between the club and me.

"They are a fantastic club and I wish them well. Now seems to be a good time for us to part in order that my replacement, should they wish, has an opportunity to take advantage of the transfer window."