Keith have appointed former Kynoch Park attacker Dean Donaldson as their new manager.
The former Inverurie Locos, Huntly and Buckie Thistle winger, who rejoined Keith as coach last month, replaces Ewan Robb, who left the club last week by mutual consent.
Donaldson, a member of Keith’s 2006-2007 Highland League championship winning side, is relishing his chance in football management at a club he knows well.
The 35-year-old said: “It is the club where I spent most of my Highland League playing career.
“I played more games than anyone else in the squad when we won the title in 2007.
“I certainly won’t be continuing my playing career now that I’ve been appointed as manager.
“If you’re going to play you’ve got to be able to do the things you are
asking the players to do and, at 35, I’m probably not at that stage.
“The reason I left Inverurie Locos and hung up my boots was because I could see the younger players were far fitter and sharper than I was.
“Little did I know that within a few weeks of arriving back at Kynoch Park as a coach I would be the new manager.
“It’s funny how football works but this is a big opportunity.
“We are in 15th place in the table, so there really is only one way the club can go.
“I’ve been in and around Highland League dressing-rooms for the last 18 years and have worked under some really good coaches and managers.
“Hopefully, I can take a little bit from each of them into my own approach and that will stand me in good stead.”
Donaldson has warned the players to expect plenty of hard work as they bid to end a three-game losing streak.
He said: “I don’t think that the team is fit enough, so that’s the first thing I’ve got to sort out and I’ll learn who I can depend on over the course of the next few weeks. I’ve already made my first signing with Max Berton joining us from Formartine United on an 18-month deal.”
Donaldson will be assisted by two of his former Keith team-mates – Michael Brown and Jamie Lennox.
The Keith manager added: “Both have loads of Highland League experience.
“I’m hoping that Michael can work with our defenders. Jamie will take care of the strikers and I’ll work closely with the midfield players. Hopefully, we can get one more to join our coaching staff.”
