By Ian Roache

NEW BRECHIN boss Jim Duffy has expressed his gratitude to the Angus men for giving him a way back into management.

The former Dundee and Hibs gaffer’s last involvement at a club was a brief stint as caretaker coach at Norwich City in the autumn of 2007, although he has been working in the media and will continue to do so.

He was officially appointed as Michael O’Neill’s successor at Glebe Park yesterday, and he could not be happier.

“I am just delighted to get back involved,” he said.

“I would like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to get involved in management again as it is something I have missed.

“I have been itching to get back and obviously Brechin have given me the chance to enjoy it again.

“I have joined a well-run club, one with good foundations in the backroom, boardroom and, obviously, on the pitch.

“These elements would make it an attractive proposition for anybody.”

Duffy is ready to dive in at the deep end today when City are due to host SPL side St Mirren in the fourth round of the Homecoming Scottish Cup, although the game is in some doubt and a 10.30am inspection has been arranged.

“St Mirren are the form team in the premier league with four wins and a draw from their last five games,” he added.

“They are a very, very disciplined and solid SPL outfit. They pass the ball very well, have a good work ethic and are a tough side.

“Everyone knows Glebe Park is a difficult place to come to and win a football match, though, so it is something I am really looking forward to.”

Chairman Ken Ferguson believes City have found someone well capable of building on what O’Neill achieved before leaving for Shamrock Rovers.

“The club has faced a testing time since Michael’s departure and we wanted to ensure we found the right candidate to pick up from where he left off,” he said.

“We are delighted to have attracted such an outstanding candidate with great contacts at all levels of the game.”

“He brings a wealth of experience from both his playing days and, of course, an illustrious managerial career.

“We look forward now to getting on with the business of, firstly, our cup tie with St Mirren and getting our league campaign back on track.”

The chairman also thanked Kevin McAllister and Grant Johnson for looking after team affairs.

Duffy will have everyone bar leg-break victim Davie White available for the cup-tie, should it get the go-ahead.

St Mirren will be without the suspended Billy Mehmet and Craig Dargo for the trip.

New signing Steven Thomson will be in the squad but long-term casualties Stephen O’Donnell (knee) and Will Haining (foot) are out.

Brechin fans have been allocated part of the distillery side terracing, the cemetery end and the main stand, with entry from the turnstiles at the cemetery end. St Mirren supporters will occupy the Trinity Road stand and part of the distillery side terracing.