The Selkirk committee were dealt what they described as a “massive blow” at Wednesday night’s monthly meeting when Lothian arrived midway through and announced he would be standing down from his position, citing work commitments as his reason.

Stunned club vice-chairman Jim Moody told The Wee Paper: “It came as a huge blow to the management committee as we thought everything had been sorted out and were starting to work towards the coming season.”

Rumours that Lothian would be replaced by former Peebles boss Mark Lamb were put to bed last month when the manager himself called for a vote of confidence to be taken on whether the Selkirk committee wanted him to continue in his role.

Lothian won the vote by a good margin and agreed to stay on.

Mr Moody continued: “Fraser had the full support of the committee and everyone was looking forward to the season ahead.

“This latest development has come as a shock to most of us and we will be having another meeting tonight (Thursday) to discuss what we are going to do next.”

Speaking to The Wee Paper yesterday, Lothian, a self-employed joiner, admitted his timing had not been great, but said he was unable to give the club 100 per cent commitment and, as an experienced manager, he felt nothing less would do.

He explained: “I thought that when things had settled after the last meeting and the fact that we won the Image Printers Cup that I would feel different, but I didn’t, and have been struggling to get motivated.

“I am still a wee bit disappointed at what happened last month, although I know these things happen in football and don’t hold any resentment towards anybody for it.

“I just feel that with all that on top of increasing work commitments I should step back for a bit and allow the club to find someone who can fully commit themselves to building the team and taking them forward.”

Assistant coach Ally McCulloch will also stand down.

He told us: “Fraser and I remain deeply indebted to Selkirk football club for allowing us to manage the team and enjoy coaching and watching the Souters.

“Selkirk have had what is arguably their best four seasons for a long time, climaxing in capturing their first cup title since the glory days of the 70s and 80s.

“It is fitting that the whole coaching staff resign and in this way it allows the new staff an opportunity to stamp their own mark on the club.

“We wish all of the players and the hard-working committee the very best and hope they can use the experiences of the last few years to continue on a path of progression.