Highland League champions Brora Rangers have named midfielder Richard Brittain as their new player-manager on a three-year contract.
Former Ross County captain Brittain, 31, joined the Cattachs this summer after being released by the Dingwall side at the end of last season but will now step up to replace former manager Davie Kirkwood.
Kirkwood resigned from his Dudgeon Park post this week for business reasons, having led Brora to back-to-back Highland League titles.
Brittain is excited about taking his first steps into management, and said: “I am absolutely delighted. I am very fortunate to be handed this fantastic opportunity so early after finishing full-time football.
“I am grateful to the Brora directors for showing enough faith in me.
“It wasn’t what I expected. I had my eye on doing a bit of coaching here and there, but mainly to get back enjoying playing after a rotten season for me with injuries last year.
“However, I have been in football long enough to know that it does not always go to plan.”
Chairman John Young said: “Richard has just come into the club but his professionalism and drive is second to none.
“He has had a long career in football at the highest level.
“None of us really expected this – but that’s football.
“We were going to hold off but with the new season coming up we wanted to get a new manager in and settled and I am confident we have made the right choice.
“It will be up to Richard to appoint his backroom team.”