GALA Fairydean Rovers have announced the appointment of Martin ‘Jimmy’ Scott and Stevie Craig as their new management team until the end of the season following the departure of Neil Hastings to an undisclosed full-time role in football.

Scott has been with the club for six months as first team coach and then Assistant Manager and is relishing the opportunity to take charge of the Lowland League outfit.

He has appointed former Aberdeen player, Steven Craig, as his Assistant Manager and he will join the club this week.

Club Chairman, Ryan Cass, added: “Three seasons ago we lost our way a little and lost our identity, it was so important we got that back. When Neil was appointed, he knew how important it was for Gala to play a certain way. His philosophy matched the club’s which was really exciting.

“When the club decided to appoint Neil there were a few people outside the club that were very surprised as we finished in 8th place the season before but we knew that we got the right man for the job to bring back that identity and produce a team that the town could be proud of.

“Since then we have gone from strength to strength and it has been the most successful period of the club’s history with a 6th place league finish and progressing to the third round of the Scottish Cup this year narrowly being defeated by League 2 contenders Annan Athletic.

“I can’t thank Neil, the coaching staff and the players enough over the last few seasons and wish him all the best for the future. It didn’t surprise me when a club from the top-flight came calling as his coaching skills are second to none but most importantly as a person he is a great guy that wants to constantly learn and develop as a coach.

“He has built a tremendous team spirit here at Gala which hasn’t gone unseen as the season tickets sales have been on the rise for the last two seasons.

“The club wishes him good luck to not only our now ex-manager but to our friend and no doubt he’ll progress even further in the game.

“We also want to wish Martin Scott and Steven Craig along with coach Colin McCall all the very best for the rest of the season.”