Hartley’s taking the reins at the Bairns
FALKIRK last night named Paul Hartley as their new manager.
The former Hearts, Celtic and Scotland midfielder takes over from Peter Houston, who was axed last month after a dismal start to the Ladbrokes Championship season.
The 40-year-old achieved three consecutive promotions with Alloa and Dundee before leading the latter to a top-six finish in the Premiership in 2015.
He was sacked by the Dens Park club in April this year.
Falkirk announced that technical director Alex Smith would remain in caretaker charge for Saturday’s Irn-Bru Cup tie against Dunfermline before Hartley assumes control on Monday.
Hartley said: “I am absolutely delighted to be back in management and to have been given this opportunity with a club the size of Falkirk.
“Throughout my talks with the club it is clear to me that there is massive untapped potential here and I am looking forward to working with the players, staff and board to deliver on that as soon as possible.
“All the discussions have been extremely positive and I am excited to get to work with the players”
Club chair Margaret Lang added: “Paul’s passion for football shone through throughout all of the discussions we had and the board and I firmly believe he is the man capable of leading the club forward.
“We have big aspirations and ambitions for the club and in Paul we see someone who shares those and can help us realise our target of reaching the Premiership and most importantly staying there for the long term.”