NAYSMITH IS IN FOR EK JOB
Ex-Scotland international being considered
Hearts loans boss Gary Naysmith is in the running to become the next manager of Lowland League East Kilbride, the News understands.
The 41-year-old is currently in charge of managing young players sent out on loan from Tynecastle, a role that was created for him after he left his position as Queen of the South boss at the end of last season.
But it is understood the former Scotland international is vying for the top job at K-Park alongside ex-Dumbarton manager Stevie Aitken.
Naysmith refused to deny he was interested in the position, saying: “I’m the loans manager at Hearts and that’s all I’ve really got to say on it.”
Hearts are currently operating cost control measures at Tynecastle during the coronavirus shutdown, with owner Ann Budge asking players and staff to accept a 50 per cent wage cut.
East Kilbride had hoped to have a new man in the hot-seat by the end of March, but they have yet to hold interviews.
Applications for the position closed on February 28 and, on March 16, East Kilbride stated that the process would not be affected by the coronavirus shutdown, “with an aspiration of appointing a new manager by the end of March.”
A candidate who has applied for the role at East Kilbride told the News: “I’ve had no correspondence from the club whatsoever, not even an acknowledgement of my CV.
“I thought I would have been told they’d received it, so I’m in the dark about an interview.
“If they come back to me great. If not, then there’s no harm done putting my name forward for it.”
At the start of March, Stevie Aitken confirmed he had applied for the position.
He said: “I’d be interested like any other manager that has put their name into the hat.
“I’ve heard a lot of names mentioned with it and some high calibre managers, so that shows you what people think of it.”
David Proctor, who has also applied for the role, is currently in caretaker charge at East Kilbride during the football shutdown, as Kilby seek to find a permanent replacement for Stuart Malcolm following his departure to Forfar in November last year.
An EKFC spokesman said: “The current situation has naturally slowed the process a bit logistically, but the club’s move to appoint a manager is still ongoing.”