Samuel's 14-year Spartans tenure ends after misconduct probe

Dougie Samuel, the longest serving manager in Scottish senior football, has left his post as Spartans manager after 14 years following "allegations of misconduct". Earlier in September, it was announced that the 59-year-old would be taking a period of "extended leave" from the League 2 club, with sporting director Mixu Paatelainen assisting the remaining staff in his absence. And now the Edinburgh outfit have confirmed that Samuel has left the club after an "independent investigation". "Out of respect for the privacy of the individuals involved, and in accordance with our confidentiality policies, we will make no further comment on the specific details of the investigation or its findings," a club statemtent read. Paul Thomson will continue as interim head coach. Samuel had been in charge of the Scottish League 2 club since 2012, leading them out of the Lowland League and into the SPFL three years ago. Spartans are third in the fourth tier after eight games - after losing 3-0 at Dumbarton on Saturday - and finished second last season.