Birkirkara have announced that they have parted ways with coach Mark Buttigieg and have appointed John Buttigieg as their new coach.

Buttigieg had been appointed as the new coach of Birkirkara FC last January after Paul Zammit was excused from first team duties after a dispute with the club's top hierarchy.

During that time he was working alongside John Arne Riise who had taken the role of Sporting Director.

However, the Norwegian handed in his resignation earlier this month and Mark Buttigieg was handed full control of the team's technical set up.

In the last few weeks, Birkirkara's push for a top-four finish were jolted following defeats to Mosta (0-2) and Hibernians (2-3) that left the team in seventh place on 39 points, but just three adrift of Ħamrun Spartans and Sliema Wanderers.

In a statement the club said that had reached an agreement with Mark Buttigieg to end their relationship.

"Birkirkara FC and Senior Team Coach Mark Buttigieg have reached a mutual agreement to part ways. The Birkirkara coach gave his resignation following a meeting with the club's committee," the club statement said.

"The club would like to put on record its thanks to Mr. Buttigieg for the work carried out in the last two years and would like to make it clear that the agreement was taken in the best interest of both parties.

"We would like to wish Mark all the best of luck in the future."

Birkirkara soon after announced that the club's first team will be under the charge of John Buttigieg who put pen to paper on a two-year contract.

"Birkirkara FC would like to announce the appointment of Mr. John Buttigieg as the new Club's Head Coach with immediate affect," the club said on their facebook account.

"Mr Buttigieg has signed a two-year contract with our Club and he shall conduct his first training session this afternoon."

Earlier this season, Buttigieg had resigned as coach of Sliema Wanderers.

John Buttigieg's first match in charge will be against Qormi at the Hibs Stadium on Monday.