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Second-team coach Gary Lord has taken over caretaker charge and club chief executive Alan Stephenson said Hawks will see to appoint a new boss for the rest of the season.

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Stephenson added: "Graeme has acted with great professionalism and dignity. He took over the club in the most difficult of circumstances."

Hallas said he made his decision "with regret".

He added: "Throughout all of the trials, tribulations and adversity that came – and comes – with the job, I have desperately fought to retain my honesty, integrity and professionalism.

"It had become apparent recently that some of the more experienced personnel within the squad were not buying into my ethos and as a consequence, results and form dipped.

"To this end, I have allowed the baton to be passed on to somebody with renewed vigour."

Hallas said he leaves "with head held high" and believes Hawks are capable of achieving promotion from Co-op Championship One.