 Alexander has brought great success to Gretna |
Gretna manager Rowan Alexander has been given leave of absence by the club to recover from an unspecified illness. His Raydale Park assistant, Davie Irons, will take temporary charge of the First Division leaders.
Director Graeme Muir told BBC Scotland: "We respect what Rowan has achieved in recent times, but now he needs time and space to recover from this illness.
"He's seeking advice and that's a good thing. All members of staff have been informed and are supportive."
Alexander has been in charge at Gretna since 2000 and was at the helm when the club secured their place among the ranks of senior Scottish clubs in 2002.
Since then he has won the Division Three and Two titles, as well as steering the club to the Scottish Cup final last season.
Gretna are nine points clear at the top of Division One as they aim for a third successive promotion but they have slipped to defeat in their last two league matches.
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Interview: Gretna chief executive Graeme Muir