Dougie Samuel and Spartans
20 September 2026
Spartans manager Dougie Samuel left the Scottish League 2 club after 14 years following an independent investigation into allegations of misconduct. Samuel had been on extended leave earlier in September, ending the longest current managerial tenure in Scottish senior football.
The club said it would not disclose details of the investigation or findings because of confidentiality. Samuel had led Spartans from the Lowland League into the SPFL, while Paul Thomson will continue as interim head coach after his departure.