Dick Campbell has been sacked as manager of League One side East Fife following a shock Challenge Cup defeat to Cumbernauld Colts on Tuesday night.
The 72-year-old took charge at Bayview Stadium in February 2025 and guided the club into the third tier via the League Two play-offs within 18 months, but a poor start to the current season has cost him his job.
Struggling results
East Fife sit seventh in League One with nine points from their first 10 matches, recording one win, six draws and three defeats. They are three points ahead of bottom club Cove Rangers.
The team have failed to win in their last five matches in all competitions, and Tuesday's 1-0 loss to Lowland League side Cumbernauld Colts in the Challenge Cup proved to be the final straw.
Campbell has been dismissed along with his coaching team, which includes brother Ian Campbell, Stuart Malcolm and John Young.
Club statement
A club statement read: "Dick Campbell has left his position as manager of East Fife FC after two-and-a-half years in charge at Bayview.
"Mr Campbell and his management team achieved success in their first full season at East Fife, gaining promotion to William Hill League 1 via the play-offs in May 2025.
"Unfortunately, results since then have seen the team struggle, with only one win in the first ten matches of the current league campaign, and just three league wins in 2026.
"Tuesday's exit from the KDM Evolution Trophy following defeat to Cumbernauld Colts was a financial blow, at a time when the club has invested a record amount in players over the past two seasons.
"The board of directors met today and the decision was taken, with regret, to part company with Mr Campbell and his management team of Ian Campbell, Stuart Malcolm and John Young.
"The board thanks all four coaches for their commitment and achievements at East Fife FC, and wish them well for the future."
Interim arrangements
An interim management team will take charge of the first team, including goalkeeping coach Jim Moffat and senior players Pat Slattery and Brian Easton, and a recruitment process will take place to appoint a new manager.
Campbell began his coaching career in 1987 and has promotions with Brechin City, Partick Thistle, Forfar Athletic and Arbroath on his CV.
