Former Scotland and Hearts star named new manager of SPFL club as appointment delay explained
Ex-Hearts defender takes charge at Somerset Park
Former Hearts and Scotland defender Gary Naysmith has been confirmed as the new manager of Scottish Championship side Ayr United - though his appointment will be delayed as he looks to lead Stenhousemuir to their second promotion in three seasons.
The 47-year-old has been a revelation at Ochilview Park since being appointed in January 2023, steering the club to their first-ever league title by winning Scottish League Two in 2023/24, before transforming them into Scottish League One promotion contenders in the two campaigns that followed.
Nominated for the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year award alongside Falkirk’s John McGlynn and Hearts’ Derek McInnes this season, Naysmith is looking to lead The Warriors to promotion from the third tier this month, having qualified for the Scottish Championship promotion playoffs.
However, regardless of whether he leads Stenhousemuir to the Scottish Championship or not, he will then take the reins at Somerset Park, where he will succeed interim boss John Rankin. Signing a three year contract, he will be joined by his Stenhousemuir assistant Brown Ferguson at the club.
A statement from Ayr chairman David Smith said: “Once again we conducted a robust process to appoint the next permanent Manager of Ayr United and we are delighted that Gary and Brown have agreed to join us. Their ability to outperform budget is clear not only from their time at Stenhousemuir but also in their previous roles at a variety of clubs in Scotland.
“What became clear through the interview process was Gary’s enthusiasm to be involved with Ayr United and the skillset he has to take our club forward. We are looking forward to working with him and to introduce him to supporters at the end of Stenny’s season.”
Meanwhile, Stenhousemuir also released a statement via their chairman Dan Wharton, which read: “Dan Wharton said: “Gary has been a fantastic asset to this football club. He came in, transformed what was possible here, achieved promotion success and leaves the club in its highest ever league position.
“We are grateful for everything Gary and Brown have done and wish them well. Thank you to David Smith at all at Ayr United for their professionalism and we wish them all the success.” Neither Gary, Brown, nor the club will be making any further statements, giving interviews, or commenting on the appointment until the conclusion of the playoff campaign.”
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