As exclusively revealed in Saturday’s Courier, Barry Smith has now been confirmed as the new manager of East Fife.
The Methil club have formally announced his appointment and the 42-year-old will take charge of the team for the first time on Saturday for the league game at Bayview against Peterhead.
Smith, who has previously managed Dundee and Alloa, was most recently boss of English outfit Aldershot Town.
He takes over at East Fife from former occupant of the Bayview hotseat Gary Naysmith.
Smith told Courier Sport: “There was a full board meeting on Monday night and everything was agreed.
“I am absolutely delighted to be back in management.
“I count myself fortunate to do a job I love and when you are out of football you really miss it.
“So when the opportunity arises to get back into management, you have to take it and fortunately East Fife have given me that chance.
“They are a well-run club with a good set-up and I am looking forward to building on what Gary achieved.
“He obviously won promotion for East Fife and I want to build on that.
“I will be meeting the players and taking training on Tuesday night but I already know about most of the lads and even played against some of them.
“It is a good squad and they should be full of confidence having won their last two games.
“I will be in the dug-out for the game against Peterhead on Saturday and I cannot wait to be back involved.”
In a short statement, the club added: “The Board of Directors of East Fife Football Club are delighted to confirm Barry Smith as our new first team manager. Further details will follow later this week.”
