Dean Donaldson quits as Turriff United boss to become the first team head coach at Highland League rivals Inverurie Loco Works
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Inverurie Locos have appointed former Keith and Turriff United boss Dean Donaldson as their new first team head coach.
Turriff said they were "very disappointed" to learn last weekend that Donaldson (40) was leaving the managerial post at The Haughs to join Locos, who he served as a player.
His assistants Jamie Lennox and Greg Moir are also making the switch from Turriff to Inverurie.
He had steered the club to fifth spot in the league after winning six of their first nine league games, as well as earning a place in the second round of the Scottish Cup away to Cumnock later this month.
Locos then unveiled Donaldson on Thursday as their new boss, succeeding Andy Low who parted company with the Harlaw Park outfit after a poor start to the current Highland League season.
'Deano's managerial career began at Keith, who he served for more than 12 years as a player and almost three years as manager before joining Turriff in January 2021.
In a statement on their Facebook page, Turriff said: "Over the weekend Turriff United Football Club were informed by our manager Dean Donaldson that he wanted to leave.
"As expected we are very disappointed as a club that this has come to fruition in this way, with the process as a whole and also the timing when we have been on a good run of games, climbing the league and with a Scottish Cup Second Round tie in our near future.
"We are a progressive club who have made massive strides forward and will work tirelessly behind the scenes to continue that momentum."
United have placed under-21s manager Graeme Taylor and goalkeeping coach David Scarth in interim charge of the club, and are seeking applications for Donaldson's successor.
The club is asking for all interest in the job to be emailed to turriffunitedfc@highlandleague.com with a covering letter and CV.
Locos announced on their website that Donaldson, who scored 40 goals in 84 appearances for the club during his playing career, had been appointed as first team head coach.
"We are delighted to secure the services of Dean and his coaching team," said the Locos statement.
"We believe that Dean and his team will provide the coaching structure, guidance and advice which will enhance the current first team squad’s capabilities, whilst further helping to develop the next generation of Locos players.
"We have previously documented our vision for the future of Locos over the coming years. Dean and his team have a proven track record of building and developing a squad of exciting talent, and our current squad have much to be excited about, as this new era begins."
