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.
Gary joined Stenhousemuir in January 2023 and, in just over three years, led the club to its first ever league title, the cinch League Two championship in 2023–24, as well as back-to-back Championship Play-off campaigns.
He departs having taken charge of 160 competitive matches, racking up 73 wins, and leaves the club in the strongest position in its history.
His contribution to this club has been recognised with multiple Manager of the Month awards and his peers, having been nominated this year for the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year award.
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 said: “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.”
Neither Gary, Brown, nor the club will be making any further statements, giving interviews, or commenting on the appointment until the conclusion of the Play-off campaign.
Stenhousemuir Football Club
