Queen of the South have now completed a deal with East Fife to secure the services of Gary Naysmith as manager at Palmerston park, Dumfries and Galloway. He will take over the reigns next week following East Fife’s Scottish Cup replay against Edinburgh City.
The 38 year old former Scotland international has gained respect as a manager after he steered the Methill Club to promotion to League One last season. Over the past couple of days he has been one of the names linked to the Hearts job following Robbie Neilson’s expected departure to MK Dons.
Defender Naysmith started his senior career with the Tynecastle side before moving to England where he played for Sheffield United, Huddersfield and most noteably Everton. On returning to Scotland he joined Aberdeen before taking over as manager at East Fife.
Speaking of his appointment, Gary said “I’m thrilled to be taking over at Queens, they are a decent sized club with plenty of potential. I’ve loved my time at East Fife and thank them for giving me the opportunity, but I’m delighted to be making the move back to a full time club and being able to work with the players on a daily basis. Queens have some decent players within the squad and I’m looking forward to working with them to achieve success”.
Queens Chairman Billy Hewitson added “We are delighted to welcome Gary to Palmerston. With his involvement at another club, It’s been a complicated process and not as straight forward as some would’ve liked, but we feel we have appointed the right person and we look forward to working with him”.
