Scott Brown’s managerial journey has taken a hit, with Ayr United confirming his departure after a string of disappointing performances.
The former Celtic captain had been at the helm since January 2024, stepping in with high hopes following his previous stint at Fleetwood Town. Alongside assistant Steven Whittaker, Brown has now left the club.
Ayr United released a statement saying:
“Scott Brown and Steven Whittaker have departed the club by mutual consent. We thank them both for their commitment during their time at Ayr United and wish them every success in the future. Training today will be overseen by Jamie Murphy, Tommy Tait, and Dave Timmins, with further updates on an interim management position to follow.”
Brown’s exit comes as Ayr struggles this season. After a strong third-place finish last year, the club had ambitions of challenging at the top again. Instead, they sit eighth in the league, only seven points above the relegation play-off zone. Despite being just five points shy of fourth-placed Dunfermline, a heavy 3-0 defeat to Raith Rovers appears to have convinced the board that a change was needed.
For Brown, this is another learning curve in his managerial career. Renowned for his playing career at Celtic, where he lifted 22 major honours—including ten league titles, six League Cups, and six Scottish Cups—he transitioned into coaching at Aberdeen before taking on management roles at Fleetwood and now Ayr.
The focus now turns to Brown’s next move. After a career defined by on-field success, he faces the challenge of establishing himself in the dugout and proving that his winning mentality can translate into management.