STEVIE Crawford has resigned from his position as manager of Dunfermline Athletic following the Pars' ultimately doomed promotion bid this term.

The 47-year-old had been in post at East End Park for a little over two years but has walked away from the club after his side were knocked out of the Premiership play-offs by Fife rivals Raith Rovers earlier this month.

Dunfermline started the Championship campaign in excellent fashion but results soon tailed off as Crawford's men limped over the finish line to book thier place in the play-offs.

A 2-0 aggregate defeat to Raith brought the curtain down on an underwhelming season that initially promised so much - and now that Crawford has tended his resignation, Pars chairman Ross McArthur says that the search for his replacement is already under way.

A statement from McArthur on the club's website read: "Today, I have accepted the resignation of Stevie Crawford as our first team manager.

The Herald:

READ MORE: Raith Rovers 2-0 Dunfermline: McGlynn's men tee up semi-final with Dundee

"I developed a very good and close working relationship with Stevie and wish to place on record our huge thanks to him for his efforts over the last 28 months.

"Stevie worked tirelessly behind the scenes despite the very many challenges that he had to face. On behalf of the DAFC board, staff and support I would like to wish Stevie and his family our very best wishes for the future.

"Our search for a new manager, to replace Stevie, has now commenced.

"Since the season finished just over a week ago, there is a lot of work going on to improve and strengthen our club and I hope to be able to provide a further update on this in the coming weeks."