Stephen Swift sacked as Stenhousemuir manager

Captain Sean Crighton will take charge of the team, currently sitting sixth in Scottish football’s fourth tier on 20 points from 16 matches, until a replacement is found for Swift, 42.

The former Stranraer, Linlithgow Rose and Ayr United defender had been gaffer at the club for a year and a half, replacing Davie Irons in April last year, overseeing 69 matches since then, 26 of them won and 28 lost, and was named as League 2 manager of the month in February.

Stenny’s next match is in the league at home to basement club Forfar Athletic this Saturday, with kick-off at 3pm.

A spokesperson for the Ochilview Park club said: “We would like to record our thanks to Stephen and his staff for their efforts since taking charge in April 2021.

“Stephen took over as Warriors manager in April 2021, taking the team for two games, when he saw one win and one loss to close out the season.

“He then managed a complete overhaul of the playing squad, with only Graeme Smith, Cammy Graham and Adam Corbett being retained from the previous season.

“In 2021/22, he managed the team for 44 games, with 16 wins, 10 draws and 18 losses.

“He then came into the 2022/23 season with pretty much a fully-retained squad, with only a few additions.

“He has taken us into the third round of the Scottish Cup following victories against East Fife and Fortmartine United, his final two victories for the Warriors. Livingston await in the third round, but that will be a challenge for a new manager.

“Our league campaign has been very inconsistent, with five wins, five draws and six losses in the opening 16 games, a sequence which leaves the Warriors sixth in the table, 14 points off top and four points from bottom.

“Stephen’s record for the season ended with nine wins, five draws and nine losses. A failure to keep a clean sheet has been the thorn in his team’s side, with the last being on the opening league game of the season against Albion Rovers.

“He leaves the club after 69 games managed and oversaw 26 wins, 15 draws and 28 losses, with a win percentage of 37.68%. That puts him sixth in the record of Stenhousemuir managers with 26 wins from 69 games.

“He’s behind Des McKeown’s 34 wins from 62, Terry Christie’s 107 wins from 273, Martyn Corrigan’s 29 wins from 74, Jim Meakin’s 34 wins from 87 and Graeme Armstrong’s 20 wins from 53.

“He leaves behind a very talented squad and an attractive opportunity for any manager to take over.

“We wish Stephen all the best in the future, both inside and outside of football.”

Swift told us: “Unfortunately, I have been relieved of my duties at Stenhousemuir.

“I’d like to thank the board of directors for the opportunity to manage the club.

“It’s been a great 18 months in charge and I’ve loved every minute of the journey.

“We set high expectations this season and have ultimately fallen short of where we need to be.

“I do believe we would have had a great chance to get Stenhousemuir promoted with the squad of players we have, but I realise decisions have to be made and this is football.

“I’d like to thank my coaching staff – Frazer Wright, Michael Moore, Stephen Bryceland, Seamus McCafferty and Joseph McGlynn – for their hard work and dedication throughout my tenure.

“I believe the structure of the club is in a much better place and they will continue to thrive in the coming years.

“I’d like to thank the players for their professionalism, respect and hard work. They’re a fantastic group and whoever comes in will be inheriting a brilliant squad.

“Finally, I’d like to thank the fans. They continued to show me and the players fantastic support until the end.”

The former Kilburnie Ladeside and BSC Glasgow boss is now taking stock and weighing up his options, he says.

“I feel I need a bit of time away but I know my passion lies in football coaching and I will be back soon enough,” he added.

“Thanks for the memories, Warriors.”