Ex-Scotland International Gary Naysmith has today agreed terms to become Stenhousemuir’s 21st permanent manager. Gary starts immediately and is joined at the club by new assistant, and ex-Warrior, Brown Ferguson.

Chairman, Iain McMenemy said, “We’d like to welcome Gary on board and look forward to working with him as we look to get our season back on track. We’ve had a disappointing first half of the season, but there’s still time to get ourselves up towards the top end of the table and challenge for promotion.  Gary was very passionate about wanting to come in and work with the boys to bring out their potential and so we’re looking at the second half of the season with renewed optimism.”

Naysmith, who played as a left-back or left-winger, started his senior career with Hearts. He then moved to England to sign with Premier League club Everton, where he stayed for seven seasons. Naysmith was capped 46 times by the Scotland national team between 2000 and 2009. After spells with Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town, Naysmith returned to Scotland with Aberdeen and finished his playing career at East Fife.

Naysmith was appointed East Fife player-manager in December 2013. He then went on to manage Queen of the South and Edinburgh City.

Speaking to Warriors TV, Gary said “I am delighted to be appointed as manager of Stenhousemuir Football Club. It’s great to be back in football and at such a progressive club with a great structure behind the scenes. Brown Ferguson will join me as Assistant, he knows the club well having been here as a player and manager and we’re looking forward to the challenge ahead”

Gary will take his first training session tonight and will take charge of his first game for Stenhousemuir on Saturday against Stranraer.

Iain McMenemy added, “I’d also like to thank Sean Crighton for stepping in to take the team over the past few weeks.  As expected, Sean approached this with utmost professionalism.  Finally, I’d like to thank out Football Working Group for managing the interview process.”