HAMILTON have confirmed manager Brian Rice has left the club.

The Accies boss sent a shock letter of resignation to the club which has been accepted by the board.

Rice had been with the club for two seasons and took charge of the club's first two games back in the Championship, a draw and a loss, following relegation last term.

Announcing the news Accies chairman Allan Maitland mentioned the strain the Covid pandemic and relegation had on Rice and his staff.

Mr Maitland told the club website: “Today, without any previous indications, we received a letter of resignation from Brian Rice.

“Whilst it has come as a surprise, we now fully understand his reasoning for leaving at this time, and have, with regret, accepted his resignation.

“It has been an extremely difficult 18 months dealing with all the issues surrounding the pandemic, including the recent relegation from the Premiership, and there’s no doubt that it has taken its toll on Brian, his staff and everyone connected to the club.”