McElroy is new Anglers boss as MacDonald departs
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Gordon MacDonald has become the season's first managerial casualty following a parting of the ways with Halkirk United.
The club had got off to a poor start when they lost their opening three fixtures that saw a thumping 16 goals conceded.
After a less than impressive campaign last season, when they finished second from bottom, the 4-1 defeat at home to St Duthus proved to be MacDonald's last game in charge.
Replacing MacDonald will be Ewan McElroy, who takes up his new post having guided High Ormlie Hotspur to promotion to the county league's top flight in the summer.
The McElroy era got off to a flying start at the weekend as the Anglers thumped North Caledonian League newcomers Bonar Bridge 11-1 at Morrison Park.
Four goals from Bobby Gunn, doubles from James Mackintosh, Kyle Henderson and Ross McLeod and one from Chris Green gave Halkirk their first win of the season. Robbie Murray scored Bonar's consolation.
Of the decision to part ways with MacDonald, club chairman Alistair Gunn said: "Sadly we felt that a change with regard to the manager's position had to be made.
"We took the decision not only because of results this season but also our results and league table finish from last season.
"It was an amicable parting of ways and Gordon was understanding of why we had come to our decision and we wish him the very best.
"We've appointed Ewan McElroy who has done an excellent job with High Ormlie Hotspur in the summer league.
Everyone here starts with a blank sheet of paper.
"Ewan has a fine record of developing young talent at High Ormlie and that was something that impressed us and led to our decision to approach him."
McElroy himself is looking forward to the challenge and insists that, despite what has gone on before, all the players start life under his charge with a clean slate.
He said: "As far as I'm concerned, what's gone on before is done and dusted and everyone here starts with a blank sheet of paper.
"We've some good players and some very good folk working behind the scenes. Although it's not ideal coming in four games into the season, I feel that we are capable enough of getting some results that will hopefully move us higher up the table.
"The attitude I've seen from the players has been excellent. Maybe they've a point to prove to the new manager or even because they feel they've not been at their best and let Gordon down.
"Whatever the reason it has been good to see. Although Bonar have had a tough time of it since re-entering the league, the lads did their job well and were very clinical in front of goal.
"However, we play Bonar Bridge at their place this weekend so I'd imagine it will be tougher for us down there."
McElroy also stated that he aims to spread his net across the county in his bid to add more depth to his squad.
He added: "Some of the boys at Halkirk I've coached at High Ormlie, so that will help. However, I don't want to limit Halkirk to a particular area of Caithness, I want a good mix of local players and others from elsewhere in the county.
"I've already made a start by bringing in Aidan Reid at centre-half who I'm sure will be a great addition. He made his debut last weekend and did well."
