NEW year has brought managerial changes at Whitestone Park.

Despite an encouraging start to the season Colin Smith, in his first managerial role, stepped down as Peebles Rovers boss during the Christmas break.

The former Peebles, Vale of Leithen and Leithen Rovers player took over from Ger Rossi in the summer and had made an encouraging start in the dugout.

But in a shock move last weekend Smith announced his intentions to resign - siting family and work commitments.

He said: "Unfortunately time is right for me to step down for various reasons, mainly work and family, however I've enjoyed my time and made many new friends.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank players for commitment and desire they have given me during my tenure.

"Also a thanks to the committee whose work often goes unnoticed, these guys give up a lot of time and effort and without them club wouldn’t survive."

Smith's assistant Allan McDonald has been appointed as the new manager with Ryan Bisset appointed as assistant manager.

A spokesman for Peebles Rover said: "With work and family commitments, Colin feels he has taken the team as far as he can.

"Allan McDonald has agreed to take up the manager role with Ryan Bisset stepping up as his assistant.

"The club would like to thank Colin for all his efforts and hard work and wish him and the new management team all the very best."

McDonald's first game in charge will be against Hawick Royal Albert at Albert Park on Saturday in the East of Scotland Conference A.