Logica FC Supremo Scott Fleming has shocked the footballing world by resigning his post just seventy-one days before the start of the new season. The reasons for the Scotsman's dramatic departure are as yet unclear. After a hastily arranged meeting in The Sols Arms, the club wasted no time in announcing Simon Groom as the next Logica Supremo.

Fleming rose to power in 1997 after the resignation of the legendary Ian "Bambi" Clarke. Following three seasons of careful 're-building', pundits and experts alike were predicting a bright new millennium for the Logica club as The Wise Supremo's 'long-term strategy' seemed to be on the verge of bearing fruit. Fleming's ploy of trying to find a division in which Logica could actually win more than a handful of matches must surely have worked sooner or later?

Fleming will be spoken of in the same hushed and reverend tones as a long line of brilliant Scottish managers, a line which includes Matt Busby, Bill Shankly, Jock Stein, Alex Ferguson and Ally McLeod. As recently as six months ago, the regard in which Logica's Dundee leader is held was emphasised by a poll of eminent Logica Players and Supremos, from which he emerged as the undisputed Supremo of the Millennium.

Even in his brief reign, Fleming has achieved the kind of consistency that other managers can only dream of, by steering the club into a new division in each of the three campaigns under his stewardship. At a hastily arranged press conference yesterday, the departing manager modestly acknowledged these achievements. "Yes, such consistency would make any Supremo proud," he said.

A pack of stunned hacks could not resist speculating as to the reason for this shock exit. Some found the timing of Fleming's departure, coming as it did so soon after England's appalling Euro2000 campaign and the inevitable calls for Keegan's head, too much of a coincidence. Others adhered to the 'jumped-before-he-was-pushed' school of thought. Fleming remained tantalisingly elusive as to the real reason. "I'd heard a rumour that the boardroom was backing me 100% and interpreted that in the usual manner. There was also the realisation that the contents of the club biscuit tin wouldn't stretch to providing me with a sheepskin manager's coat."

A reputed journalist asked whether the appalling treatment meted out in certain sections of the tabloid cyber-press had finally taken its toll. Ever the diplomat, Fleming preferred to praise the press. "Advances in technology have undoubtedly improved the quality and quantity of media comment in recent seasons," he observed. "The whole web-enabled world can now see I was Man-of-the-Match twice this season," said Fleming modestly, adding after a pause, "Thank you."

Fleming was then asked to reminisce about his eventful journey at the helm. Victories against South West Six and Queen Vic were his personal high points, although "scoring a goal with my right foot" was the ultimate pinnacle. Some of the low-points would probably be shared by many a Supremo, such as "realising that Clarkey had forgotten to mention all the LSSC-related bollox which goes with the job", which was very careless of him. A particularly severe lesson was "having to forfeit a game due to lack of numbers, playing a friendly anyway, and winning."

But it is the role of goalkeeper that is most likely to have Fleming waking up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night in years to come, his head full of Skippy screaming "watch the bounce" as hundreds of St Augustine's midfielders welly up-and-unders from 100 yards away. Another repetitive nightmare may well be the one where "I attempt to make a save, but see the ball rebound off the bar, smack me in the face and nestle in the back of the net." One of Fleming's most vivid memories from his spell in charge will be the "Johninho suspension saga", a protracted fantasy-land yarn that the Supremo could only describe as "extraordinary."

Despite the current shock, players and supporter's minds will eventually return to thoughts of the future, and Fleming had some wise words of advice for his successor, Mr Simon Groom. "Don't be intimidated by Sidaway," implored the Scotsman. After some thought he also recommended Groom to "always pick Spence, even if he claims to be injured," or even if he claims to have retired presumably. One final selection top tip was that the new Supremo should "not rely on Skippy's hamstrings, especially during the cricket season." Some more personal advice begged Groom to "Please, please, please use a spelling/grammar checker....."

Having proffered the benefit of his experience, Fleming concluded by maintaining that he was leaving the football club in a very healthy state. "A LSSC-sponsored kit deal is imminent, a new ground-sharing deal is being negotiated and the playing staff has a healthy mix of youth, experience and no small amount of talent, some of it footballing. Things could be worse."

They could indeed. The club will certainly be the worse for the loss of Fleming, and we can only hope that he continues to make himself available for selection on a Sunday morning. He has been a fabulous servant to the club, and his modest and understated demeanour mean that few will fully realise the immense amount of work that Scott has done to keep Logica Football Club alive and well. Rumours of a pre-season testimonial are already doing the rounds, and such a mark of gratitude by the club would be the least this great man deserves.

Scott, we thank you!