Broxburn Athletic move swiftly to appoint new manager after Brian McNaughton stands down

Brian McNaughton has resigned as manager of Broxburn Athletic.

Broxburn Athletic have appointed centre-back Chris Townsley as their new boss after the previous management team of manager Brian McNaughton and coach Steven Hislop parted company with the club.

McNaughton and Hislop led the East of Scotland side to the Conference C title in 2018/19 and play-offs for promotion to the Lowland League, and also masterminded Broxburn's run to the fourth round of the Scottish Cup this season in their maiden appearance in the competition. However, he informed the club that he wished to stand down from his position as manager.

A statement from the club read: "It is with regret that manager Brian McNaughton has decided to resign.

"Steven Hislop has also stepped down from his coaching role. We would like to thank them both for their contribution to the club in their time here, it has provided some historic moments, and we wish them all the best for the future.

"The club have moved swiftly since we knew of Brian and Steven's intention, and last night Chris Townsley agreed to step up to the vacant post. We wish him all the success in this role."

Hislop, who turned out for ten clubs in a 15-year career including Livingston, Ross County, Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Gillingham, added: "Wish nothing but the best for Broxburn Athletic.

"Brian and I have had a fantastic time there and helped be part of history in the club.

"The timing is right for us both to leave and in Towners taking over they have a guy who will do very well there. Thank you to all at that brilliant club."

Broxburn finished third in the 2019/20 East of Scotland Premier Division behind winners Bo'ness United and runners-up Hill of Beath Hawthorn, following the decision by a majority of clubs in the sixth-tier to appoint title-winners based on a points-per-game basis.