MUIRKIRK moved swiftly to replace Jose Quitongo at the helm.

The club parted company with Quitongo last week after a horrid run of results that has seen them lose all TWELVE games this season.

The club have appointed John Stewart as the new man in charge at Burnside Park. Stewart leaves Cumnock-based amateur side, Westkirk Thistle to take over.

The new man has a difficult job on his hands to get Muirkirk’s season turned around. Suffering heavy defeats this season, including 16-0 to Cumnock and 12-0 to Hurlford, Muirkirk are now looking to bolster their squad following the exit of a handful of players in the wake of Quitongo’s departure.

Lanarkshire-based Quitongo had his side training in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire. With the arrival of Stewart at the helm it is expected that training will be moved closer to home, prompting a number of the Lanarkshire and Glasgow based squad members to inform the club that they are on their way out.

The final straw for Quitongo came in the 12-0 hammering at the hands of Hurlford in which the player-manager was sent off for foul and abusive language aimed at the match officials.

In a club statement, Muirkirk said: “The club have parted company with manager Jose Quitongo after a run of heavy defeats.

“The club would like to thank him for his time at the club and wish him all the best for the future.

“We have moved quickly to appoint former Westkirk Thistle manager John Stewart to the post. The club would like to welcome John to Burnside park.” Muirkirk Club Secretary, Billy Tait, said: “You couldn’t meet a nicer guy than Jose, everyone liked him, but things just weren’t working out.

“It’s a difficult job now for John, but the committee feel that he is the right man for it.” Stewart will take charge for the first time on Saturday as Muirkirk travel to Station Park to take on Craigmark Burntonians. Kick off 2pm.