Scottish League Two club Elgin City has dismissed first-team manager Allan Hale with immediate effect following an internal investigation that concluded he was guilty of gross misconduct.
The Borough Briggs club announced the decision on Friday, May 22, 2026, after a probe that began when Hale was suspended from his duties on May 7.
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Assistant manager Stefan Laird stepped in as acting manager on May 11, four days after the suspension, and the club will now begin searching for a permanent successor.
"Following the conclusion of an internal investigation conducted in accordance with the club's policies and procedures, we can confirm that the men's first-team manager has been dismissed with immediate effect after a finding of gross misconduct," the club stated on X.
Officials said they will not comment further on the specifics of the investigation. "The club will make no further comment on this matter," the statement added.
Management indicated that the organization will now shift its focus to securing new leadership and finalizing the roster for the upcoming season.
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"We can now fully focus on the positive process of appointing a new manager and the continuation of our player recruitment plans," the club stated.
The statement also thanked those supporting the club during the transition.
"We sincerely thank our players, supporters, sponsors and staff for their continued support whilst we complete this process," it said.
Hale, 38, originally took charge of the team in December 2023 alongside Laird to prevent relegation.
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He recently guided Elgin City to a sixth-place finish in Scotland's fourth tier, missing the promotion play-offs by six points after going winless in their final five matches.
