FORMER Cumnock boss Brian McLuckie says he has no regrets over his decision to leave Townhead Park and is adamant that they can now go on to have a successful season.

McLuckie handed in his notice last week and took charge of his Nock side for the final time for the 2-1 defeat away to Petershill on Saturday.

Cumnock have had a dreadful start to their campaign - including a humiliating result against Lugar in the Ardagh Glass Cup and a thumping 5-1 league defeat by Kilbirnie.

Speaking to the Chronicle, McLuckie said: “I’ve had my time at Cumnock and I appreciate the time that I spent there. I’m sorry to be going but it’s results that matter and we have had a few bad ones already this season.” During his period at Townhead McLuckie has led his side to a League Cup victory, two Scottish Cup quarter finals and their highest ever League finish.

McLuckie added: “Personally I feel that I have improved the team during my time and I wish whoever comes in all the best.

“I’m having to travel more for my work and I’ve got a young boy who is just starting to play football every Saturday morning so I had very little free time and I felt the time was right to go.” Despite the poor start to the season McLuckie says that his squad have been brilliant.

He said: ”The players couldn’t possibly have given me any more and we’ve been unlucky in a few games. Looking at the game from the weekend we controlled it from start to finish but still lost.

“Everybody wants to do better. I think if they go and win against Shotts this Saturday then they could kick on to have a decent season.” He added: “I’ll miss the boys and having to get them up for games on a Saturday but managers run their time. Someone new might give them that impetus to kick on and get a few good results.

“Personally I think we have left a good young squad there for the next manager.

“I’m sad to be leaving but I’d like to thank Geroge Morton and the committee as well as Stevie Farrel for bringing me to the club and giving me the opportunity.” Club secretary George Morton said: “Brian did well for us but we’ve had some poor results so far. It could prove to have been the right decision for Brian to leave.

“We’d like to thank Brian for his time at the club.” The search is well under way to find McLuckie’s replacement in the Townhead hotseat. Mr Morton confirmed to the Chronicle that several candidates have been approached and the club have also received applications.

There has been no confirmed manager at the time of print but the committee are hopeful that the new man will be in place by the time Nock travel to take on Shotts on Saturday.