Ayr United Football Club has appointed Gary Naysmith as their new manager following the departure of Scott Brown. This decision comes after Ayr’s disappointing end to the season, where they finished seventh after a nine-game winless streak.
Naysmith’s Managerial Background
Gary Naysmith, a former defender for clubs such as Heart of Midlothian, Everton, and Sheffield United, brings considerable experience to Ayr United.
- Naysmith began his managerial career at East Fife.
- He continued with Queen of the South and later, Edinburgh City.
- Recently, he managed Stenhousemuir, leading them to their first league title in 2023.
Achievements at Stenhousemuir
During his tenure at Stenhousemuir, Naysmith achieved significant milestones:
- Secured promotion to League 1.
- Guided the team to back-to-back promotion play-off campaigns.
- Led Stenhousemuir until the final day of the season in pursuit of the title.
His exceptional performance earned him a nomination for the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year award.
Chairman’s Remarks
Ayr chairman Dan Wharton praised Naysmith, saying, “He came in, transformed what was possible here, and achieved promotion success.” This endorsement highlights Naysmith’s capability to lead the team to new heights.
Upcoming Challenges
Naysmith’s first challenge at Ayr will involve preparing the team for competitive matches. Meanwhile, Stenhousemuir is set to compete in the promotion play-offs. If they win against Queen of the South, they will face either Airdrieonians or Alloa Athletic in the final.
With Gary Naysmith now at the helm, Ayr United looks forward to a revitalized effort to advance their standing in the league.
