GALA Fairydean Rovers FC are pleased to announce the appointment of Neil Hastings as first team manager for the forthcoming 2019-20 season.
He will be joined in the Netherdale dug-out by his former Livingston FC colleague Eddie Mangan who is taking over the role as head coach while ex-GFR player Shane Greene, the current Under 15s coach, is the club's new Director of Football. Richard Green will also joining the coaching staff as Goal Keeping Coach.
Neil, 27, has been a coach at Hearts Under 17s, head of youth and first team coach at Livingston and more recently assistant manager at Cowdenbeath and Berwick Rangers.
He said:"I am delighted to be given the opportunity to take the club forward and want to continue to build on the work that has been done at the club over the last few years.
"I am under no illusions of how competitive the Lowland League is going to be this year especially when you look at some of the signings the other clubs have already made.
"I want to build an energetic and young hungry squad that entertain the fans with the style of play and also create a team that the town can be proud of.
"I can't wait for the pre-season to start so we can get onto the training pitch and start working towards the first league game."
The appointment has been welcomed by Gala Fairydean Rovers Ambassador of Football John Collins who knows Neil well from his time at Livingston. He said: "Neil was part of our coaching team at Livingston when I was the Director of Football there.
"He was involved in the Under 17s and Reserves and often assisted with the first team as a coach.
"Neil is an excellent coach and has a good way about him.
"He coaches nice, attractive football and I think he will be an excellent signing for Gala Fairydean Rovers.
"I look forward to seeing his team playing next season."