John Rankin has been appointed head coach of Hamilton Accies. The former Dundee United and Clyde star replaces Stuart Taylor, who parted company with the New Douglas Park club last week after 10 months in charge.
Rankin, 39, was brought to Hamilton by Taylor in December as assistant. The appointment is the first bit of business undertaken by the new football board, which David MacKinnon has rejoined, as director of football.
Chairman Allan Maitland told the club's website: "We are delighted to confirm John. As a person he possesses all the qualities which were looking for to take the club forward. “From his day to day working on the training pitch you can see he has a real desire for developing young players and passing his knowledge and understanding of the game on to others.” John said: “I am privileged to sit here as the club’s new head coach.
Speaking with Allan and the Board I believe that our vision for this football club is very much aligned. “The fitness levels of the squad are very high but we want to keep improving between now and the Dundee game (July 9) and I am looking forward to getting the new season underway.” Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport onTwitter via@LanLiveSport, like us onFacebookor find us onInstagramfor the latest sports news, pictures and video.