A 1-0 loss to Gudja United on Sunday proved to be the straw that broke the camel’s back for Hamrun Spartans, who have announced that their coach Mark Buttigieg has been relieved of his duties with the team.
Hamrun announced the news in a press release shared to social media on Monday, saying that the club had reached an agreement for the consensual termination of their contract with Buttigieg.
Buttigieg joined the Spartans at the beginning of last season along with Gozitan property magnate Joseph Portelli, who took over the club as President.
He led the club to triumph in the BOV Premier League at the first time of asking in a season curtailed by the Covid-19 pandemic, as the club assembled a strong squad following Portelli’s arrival and investment in the team.
However, Hamrun have been disappointing this season so far.
They currently sit in 5th with 27 points from 18 games so far this season. They’ve lost 7 games this season – including their last two against Gudja and Gzira.
As a result, they sit 13 points off unbeaten leaders Hibernians, but – more importantly – only 4 points above the relegation pool placing, with four games left to play of this round.
The change was likely prompted by worries of dropping into that zone, particularly owing to a resurgent Gudja – who have won four of their last five matches – climbing up the table.