JOHNNY Millar has sensationally quit as Beith team manager just days before the Ayrshire club head north to take on Stoneywood Parkvale with a  place in the Macron Scottish Junior Cup quarter-finals at stake.

The 53-year-old, arguably the most successful of the current crop of Junior bosses in terms of silverware prizes – outwith Tommy Sloan of Auchinleck Talbot – is thought to have informed club officials of his shock decision on Monday night in the wake of a 2-1 weekend defeat by Rossvale sending the Mighty crashing out of the Ardagh Group West of Scotland Cup.

Their demise was an undoubted bodyblow as Beith had been the reigning trophy holders, however Millar was at pains to say the unexpected cup reverse did not bring about his decision. “Beith are a truly fantastic club and I’ve enjoyed many enjoyable times here,” he said. 

“This was no spur of the moment decision and all I can say to anyone thinking our losing out to Rossvale was a factor is to think again. Our own performance on Saturday was below-par; however, I am immensely proud of what I have helped this club to achieve through the years. 

“I only came to this conclusion after much consideration and agonising, particularly in  regards to the timing with our crack at the Scottish looming, but I really believe it’s for the best to go now.”