Davie Irons resigns as Gretna manager and heads to Morton

GRETNA head coach Davie Irons has resigned with immediate effect, the club have confirmed.

Assistant Derek Collins has also left the club.

Morton confirmed on their website, , agreement had been reached with Irons and Collins to take over as the Greenock club's new management team.

A statement from chairman Douglas Rae said: "I have pleasure in announcing our new management team is to be Dave Irons and Derek Collins.

"Agreement was duly finalised with Dave and Derek this morning.

"Our new management duo will take over immediately and be in charge of training and team selection for Saturday's match at Cappielow against St Johnstone.

"I will personally be grateful if we can all now close ranks and give Dave and Derek a wonderful welcome on Saturday coupled with typical Morton support for the team."

Irons' departure is a further blow for a club who have been plunged into crisis.

Gretna sit nine points adrift at the bottom of the SPL with little hope of retaining their top flight status next season.

Gretna director of football Mick Wadsworth, assisted by Iain Scott and Andy Smith, will take charge of first-team affairs until further notice.

Irons led the club to the First Division title last season after taking over as head coach when manager Rowan Alexander was given leave of absence in March 2007 for health reasons.

Gretna today confirmed they have been unable to pay players and staff due to club owner Brooks Mileson's continued hospitalisation.

Mileson was admitted to hospital a week ago and is still undergoing tests.