LEGENDARY former Kilbirnie Ladeside player Liam McGuinness was appointed manager of the Valefield Park club last night (Tuesday).

He is only the fourth man from the town to take the reins at the McBookie Premiership club, following in the footsteps of the legendary Bobby Davidson, who won the Scottish Junior Cup back in 1977, Iain McQueen and former captain Jim Hughes.

And the midfielder will be going all out to help the club survive in the top flight. They are currently third bottom with 10 points from 13 games.

McGuinness leaves Kilwinning Rangers, where he has been a highly influential player to take over the hotseat.

Assisting him in the dugout will be former Auchinleck Talbot skipper and former Irvine Meadow and Buffs player Mark Campbell. along with coaches Robert Scott and Steven McCreadie, who have been involved as caretakers since Budgie McGhie left the club last month.

Ladeside secretary Gordon Ronney said: "We feel this is quite a bold appointment by the club. Liam has been a player with us for 10 years and is very popular with the fans. Hopefully he can help make us a top name in the junior game again."

Added the secretary: "The remit of Liam and the coaching staff is to help make sure we stay in the Premiership. It is very important that we do that."

McGuinness is on holiday but takes charge officially on Monday night.