Edinburgh City appoint ex-Hearts and Scotland star Gary Naysmith as new boss

Gary Naysmith is the new Edinburgh City boss. Picture: SNS

The announcement follows a restructuring at the League Two club after former manager James McDonaugh moved upstairs into a sporting director role.

Naysmith has signed a deal until 2024.

The former East Fife and Queen of the South boss, who was most recently overseen the loan players at Hearts, was attracted by the “opportunity to build something”.

“Firstly, I would like to say how proud I am to be named as the new manager of Edinburgh City ” Naysmith, who led East Fife to the League Two title in 2016, told ECFCTV.

“I can honestly say that this is a role that I have been thinking about for a while if it became available and I am unbelievably excited to be getting the opportunity to front up a club that I believe can become a significant force in the coming years.

“Talks with the board started over the weekend, and after hearing about their plans for the club’s future, as well as seeing their obvious passion and enthusiasm, I couldn’t wait to sign the contract and get started. The length of the contract is of personal importance to me as it allows an opportunity to build something from within over a period of time and that is something that holds a particular attraction for myself as I would like to make a significant contribution to the club over an extended period of time.

“I am also looking forward to working closely with James in his new role as sporting director. I have known James for many years now and we have always enjoyed a good relationship. He did a great job during his spell as manager and I think it is fantastic that he will hold such an important role at the club as we continue to build and move the club forward.”

‘Drive and ambition’

McDonagh wasted little time in his new position to make his first significant move, attracted by a number of impressive features of Naysmith’s glittering football CV.

“Part of my first task as Sporting Director was to work together with the board to identify and recruit a new manager. We are delighted to announce Gary; someone who has experience of managing in and also winning this league. He is a UEFA Pro licensed coach and more importantly, his drive and ambition mirrors that of the board, which makes his appointment even more exciting.

I am looking forward to supporting him as the Club’s new manager and am sure he will play a huge role in our continued development.”

Naysmith, who has managed nearly 250 times in Scottish football, will likely take charge of his first game later this month with League One and League Two having been given the green light to return.

City currently sit fifth in the league with 13 points from nine matches which has them ten points behind league leaders Queen's Park and five points off the play-off places.