New Wishaw boss Aaron Connolly: I leave East Kilbride Thistle with a heavy heart but I'm excited by fresh challenge

Aaron Connolly admits he left East Kilbride Thistle with a 'heavy heart', but he couldn't turn down the chance to prove himself outside his comfort zone at Wishaw.

The 33-year-old, who has enjoyed previous stints at the Jags as a player, was snapped up by the Beltane Park side and ends a two-year stint at Thistle, where he has steadied the ship and help develop young players at the Showpark.

It is that success that saw Wishaw make their move for the former Ayr United striker and while he admits it was a wrench to leave his hometown club, he is relishing the challenge of turning Wishy's fortunes around, as the club seeks to haul itself off the bottom of the West of Scotland Third Division table.

Connolly said: "It is something that has been rumbling on for a couple of weeks. First and foremost, I owe a massive debt of gratitude to everyone at Thistle, it is a brilliant club.

"From the outside looking in, some people probably don't realise just how much work goes into running it and how many good people there are.

"It is with a heavy heart that I have made this decision and, as history will tell you, I often find myself back there at some point so we'll see what happens in the future.

"I had an opportunity thrust upon me and I took some time to deliberate it, and if it would be right for me.

"I am still struggling to come to terms with it myself, but part of me wanted to try something different. There's no getting away from it being difficult to manage at any level and it has been challenging for me.

"But the opportunity Wishaw gives me is the chance to test myself and step out of my comfort zone again. I have always been that kind of person and I don't see that ever changing in my character.

"Let's not kid around, the