East Kilbride Thistle appoint new boss after Alan Paterson stepped down amid assault trauma

East Kilbride Thistle have moved quickly to appoint a new manager after co-bosses Alan Paterson and Russell Craig stepped down earlier this week.

Lanarkshire Live Sport told yesterday how Paterson's resignation came off the back of an horrific assault in East Kilbride Village last month, in which he was left with a scar down the left-hand side of his face.

The 44-year-old has been left traumatised by the incident and has quit football for good to focus on his family, while co-boss Craig felt the time was right for him to move on as well after a 10-month stint.

And the Jags have now appointed a successor with former Jags player Garry O'Hanlon taking the reins.

The ex-striker was part of Iain Diack's backroom team at the Showpark in 2020, but has now been given the top job ahead of next season's West of Scotland Football League Third Division campaign.

John Lennox and Colin Hutchison, who were part of the setup last season, will continue in their roles, while striker Aaron Connolly steps up to assist the coaching staff following a short-stint in the squad last season that was hampered by a hamstring injury.

The Jags announced the news on their social media pages, stating: "The Club has appointed Garry O'Hanlon as first team manager. John Lennox and Colin Hutchison will continue in their roles as first team coaches at the club. Garry has also added Aaron Connolly to his backroom staff."

Connolly tweeted his delight at his role, saying: "The injuries have finally beaten me. Someone get me a pair of copas and a whistle!

"Delighted to be involved at a club that means a lot to me with good staff and a right good bunch of boys.

"Buzzing for this next step."

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