Highland League strugglers Huntly have appointed Doug Baxter as co-manager alongside Mark Gray.
Former Banks o’ Dee manager Baxter resigned his post at the Spain Park club nearly two weeks ago but Huntly chairman George Clark emphasised Baxter had not been part of Huntly’s plans until earlier this week.
Clark said: “Doug’s decision to leave Banks o’ Dee last week had nothing to do with us.
“When Mark mentioned Doug might be available to join us as co-manager, we talked to him about it and he accepted the post on a two-year contract.
“He is a former Huntly player who also played Highland League football for Peterhead and Cove Rangers. He had a good playing career and has also enjoyed a decent managerial career at Banks o’ Dee in the juniors as well.
“There are a lot of positives.
“Both Mark and Doug are relatively young managers. They are good pals who have a similar philosophy on the game and how it should be played, so it ticked a lot of boxes for us.”
Baxter, 46, would not be drawn on his reasons for leaving the junior outfit.
He said: “I always kept in touch with Mark throughout the season. We think the same about football.
“I am delighted to be involved in the Highland League again. I am looking forward to renewing acquaintances.
“It is a big challenge considering the position we currently find ourselves in the table, but we have run Brora Rangers, Cove Rangers and Turriff United close this term so there are positives there. It is just a case of getting them consistently.”