A former Fairydean player and manager, Robertson ended his time with the First Division outfit on Monday evening following a phone call with current Gala manager Fraser Lothian.

Highly regarded in East of Scotland football circles, Robertson told TheSouthern: “I have not been enjoying things this season at Gala and after a lot of thought I have decided to call it a day. I have simply not been happy working with certain people, and when this happens it’s no good going on. Training has started to be a grind, and this is the first time that this has happened to me in football.”

Robertson, who was part of a four-man coaching team at Netherdale alongside Lothian and coaches Ally McCulloch and Garry Fraser, added: “I have played in the same side as Fraser Lothian and have also managed him. I rate Fraser as a good manager and Garry Fraser is a top coach, and I hope I am not letting them down in leaving the club. But I just had to leave as certain other things were just not right at the club.

“I hope to remain in football though, as I still think I have something to offer, and I still love the game.”

Fairydean tackle Easthouses Lily at home this weekend and Lothian said: “We really need to get points to improve our league position. Obviously we are not going to do anything in the league now, but I want us to finish in a high position.”

New signing Steven Devine from Dunbar United will feature on Saturday and Billy Miller from the club’s U17 side has been added to the squad, but Gala are without John Waldie who is on holiday for two weeks.

Meanwhile, First Division front-runners Stirling University and Vale of Leithen clash at the students’ Gannochy ground.

Vale manager Rab Paget told us: “It’s not a must-win game for us, but it’s a game we dearly want to win. We are clinging onto Stirling’s shirt tail at the moment. They are five points ahead of us, but we have two games in hand.

“Stirling are a good side, but so are the Vale and it looks like being quite a game.”

The Innerleithen outfit are at full strength and include striker Aaron Sommerville, who has been training with Scottish Third Division leaders Livingston this week.

Peebles hit the road to face Leith Athletic and boss Rab Linton said: “Since I became manager I have signed Glen Harley, Steven Murray, Paul Welsh, James Welsh, Eoin Anderson, Kevin Brocklehurst, Scott Heard and Peter Shearlaw. But because of not having many games, I haven’t really been able to judge these players.

“I hope we do better than the last time we played Leith, for they beat us 12-0.”

Hawick Royal Albert travel to take on fellow strugglers Eyemouth United at Warner Park, with returning Gavin Watson expected to take over from Steven Walker – who is off to Australia – in goal. Jamie Nisbet returns from suspension.

Kelso face a trip to third-placed Gretna, hoping to spring a surprise, while in the Premier Division Selkirk host table-topping Spartans.