Danilo Doncic has stepped down from his post as coach of St Andrew’s after agreeing a deal to take charge of a club in Bahrain.

The Serbian mentor was gearing up for his first full season at the helm of St Andrew’s after joining the club in January but a lucrative offer from Al-Najma FC proved too tempting for Doncic who took to his Facebook page to announce his move to Bahrain.

Although the timing of Doncic’s departure is a setback for St Andrew’s, who launch their league campaign with a match against Fgura United on Saturday, the club’s committee agreed to release the 45-year-old from his contract.

“I want to thank all the committee members for understanding my decision to move to another club and wishing me good luck for my new job,” Doncic, who had signed a three-year deal with St Andrew’s in the close season, wrote on his Facebook page.

Doncic, who has coached San Ġwann, Floriana, Sliema Wan-derers and Mosta in the past, thanked his players and technical staff for their backing.

St Andrew’s officials, led by president Jason Falzon, have already begun their search for a new coach.

Billy Mock and Marko Glumac are expected to take charge of the team on a temporary basis.

A number of potential candidates have already been sounded out by club officials but, unless one of the identified targets becomes available, St Andrew’s are likely to discuss the coaching situation with representatives of their partners from Switzerland who are expected to visit the club in the coming weeks.