Gary Naysmith set for Stenhousemuir departure as boss agrees to join Ayr United

The former Scotland full-back, 47, will depart Ochilview Park for full-time football with assistant boss Brown Ferguson also making the move to South Ayrshire this summer.

Since joining Stenhousemuir back in January 2023, Naysmith – who was nominated for the Managers and Coaches Association of Scotland top boss award – has turned the club around, taking them from the threat of becoming Club 42 in the SPFL to an established Scottish League One side.

He led the Warriors to a first-ever league title, winning the fourth tier before then taking the club to the Championship play-offs twice.

Stenhousemuir drew 1-1 away to Queen of the South on Tuesday evening in their semi-final first leg after finishing second in League One, only two points champions Inverness Caley Thistle, taking the title battle down to the final day.

A club statement published on Wednesday afternoon confirmed: “Stenhousemuir Football Club can confirm that manager Gary Naysmith has accepted the position of Manager at Ayr United on a three-year contract, commencing upon the conclusion of the William Hill Championship play-offs. Assistant manager Brown Ferguson will also depart to join Gary at Somerset Park.

“He departs having taken charge of 160 competitive matches, racking up 73 wins, and leaves the club in the strongest position in its history. Gary has asked that, for now, the focus remains firmly on the job in hand upon the conclusion of the play-offs, the club will take the opportunity to thank Gary and Brown for everything they have achieved together here at Ochilview.”

Chairman Dan Wharton added: “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.”

Ayr United finished seventh in the second tier, and got rid of former boss Scott Brown in March, with John Rankin taking the team as an interim coach until the end of their campaign.

David Smith, the Honest Men’s chairman, commented: “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.

“Thank you to Dan Wharton and all at Stenhousemuir for their professionalism and we wish them every success for their playoff campaign.”