Scottish football's longest-serving manager takes 'extended leave' as ex-Hibs boss offers support
Paatelainen to assist coaching team after capital club announce news
The Spartans manager Dougie Samuel has taken “extended leave”, the Scottish League Two side have announced.
Samuel, 59, is the longest-serving boss in all four senior Scottish leagues and has been at the helm of the Ainslie Park side since 2012.
The Spartans announced late on Sunday evening that Samuel was now on “extended leave” and that former Hibs and Kilmarnock manager Mixu Paatelainen, who is the club’s sporting director, will assist the coaching staff in Samuel’s absence.
“The Spartans FC Head Coach Douglas Samuel has gone on extended leave with immediate effect,” a statement from the Edinburgh outfit read. “Sporting Director Mixu Paatelainen will support the coaching team while Douglas is on leave.”
The Spartans are currently fourth in League Two and defeated Stirling Albion 2-0 last Saturday.
They are in action on Tuesday night when they take on Hamilton Accies at home in the Challenge Cup, with Paatelainen set to be involved in the dugout.
There was another managerial update over the weekend in the SPFL, with Livingston sacking Glenn Whelan after just five Championship matches.
Former Hearts midfielder Whelan was relieved of his duties on Sunday, less than 48 hours after a 1-0 home defeat by Stenhousemuir.
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