Ryan Caddis has been appointed as the new manager of Glenafton Athletic.

The former Whitletts Victoria boss takes over in the Loch Park hotseat after just a few weeks in charge at Vics.

Caddis stepped into management at Craigmark Burntonians following a successful playing career with Cumnock Juniors.

While his spell at Craigmark was relatively successful, including a run to the cusp of promotion to the First Division and claiming the scalps of Largs and Cumnock in the West of Scotland Cup last year, Caddis - who turns 38 this Friday - had a tougher time of it in his brief spell at Whitletts, who drew one and lost six of the matches played while he was in charge.

Caddis brings his coaching team of Darren Miller, David Watters and Scott Gilmour with him to Loch Park - the trio having also followed their boss in making the move from Craigmark to Whitletts last month.

 

The new man's appointment, announced on Sunday, ends Glens' hunt for a manager just a week after the departure of Mark Roberts.

Roberts had stepped up from assistant manager after Ryan Stevenson left the club in August following a slow start to the campaign.

But results have left Glenafton second bottom in the West of Scotland Football League Premier Division, just one point above bottom side Irvine Meadow, and the parting of the ways came after Roberts' side was eliminated from the South of Scotland Challenge Cup by First Division Shotts on November 18.

The new manager's first task will be a tasty clash with rivals Cumnock at Loch Park on Saturday, December 2.

Glenafton bounced back from the disappointment of that Shotts cup defeat on Saturday, seeing off Third Division Irvine Victoria in the West of Scotland Cup 6-2.

A club spokesperson said: "Glenafton Athletic are delighted to announce the appointment of Ryan Caddis as our new manager.

"As a player, Ryan enjoyed spells at Ayr United, Stranraer as well as Hurlford United and Ardrossan Winton Rovers amongst others.

"As a manager Ryan has enjoyed a successful period as manager of Craigmark Burntonians before recently becoming Whitletts Victoria manager.

"Ryan's backroom staff will be made up of assistant manager Darren Miller, goalkeeping coach-  Scott Gilmour and first team coaches David Watters and Tommy McKenna.

"Laura Pagan will remain as our club physio.

"We are delighted to have appointed Ryan as our new manager and we look forward to welcoming in a new era at the club.

"We urge all our supporters to get behind the new management team and players, starting with the visit of local rivals Cumnock Juniors on Saturday.

"Welcome to Loch Park, Ryan."

Saturday's local derby gets under way at 1.30pm.