County managerial changes.

Nov 3 2011 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

IAN Rankin became the EIGHTH managerial appointment among county clubs since June when he was given the job at Newmains United last Friday.

Davie Ross quit the Newmains hot-seat 10 days ago due to family and work commitments.

Rankin left Newmains at the start of last season to become Blantyre Vics boss, but was sacked in March and a few weeks later became a coach at Wishaw.

The former Airdrie and Lanark winger said: “I was slightly surprised but overwhelmed when Newmains contacted me, but the committee know about my work ethic and must have thought I was worthy of the appointment.

“I plan to bring in Davie Lannigan as my assistant to work alongside Malcolm Taylor and Jason Little, who were brought back in by Davie Ross to form a new backroom team.”

Rankin’s switch means a further reshuffle at Wishaw, following the split-up of the co-management set up when John Fallon left and then Alex Young quit the dug-out to focus on committee work.

Former Ayr United defender John McEwan, who was appointed player-coach by Young, has taken on the role of manager.

The managerial shake-ups kicked off in early June when Jamie McKenzie was appointed boss at Forth, followed by Colin Slater at Carluke, Colin Mitchell at Bellshill, John Fallon then Kieran McGuinness at Thorniewood, and John Doyle at Stonehouse.