Smith delighted after being named Weir’s No 2

New Forfar assistant manager Barry Smith begins his work with the Loons players this evening, with his head still spinning over how quickly his return to football has happened.

The former Dundee boss lost his job as boss of Brechin City two months ago and was not expecting to find a new role quickly – however, a request from Forfar manager Jim Weir changed all that.

Smith, who has also managed Alloa, Aldershot, East Fife and Raith Rovers, said: “I actually missed the call from Jim on Sunday night, so I did not speak to him until Monday.

“I was a player for him at Brechin before I went back to Dundee nine years ago when they entered administration and we have kept in touch ever since.

“It was not a surprise that he had called but I was a bit taken aback when he said he was looking to freshen things up at Station Park and asked if I would come in and help him.

“I had decided that if I was to return to football it would not be as a manager but as a coach as I enjoy that more, so Jim’s offer was great to hear.

“It was not a call I was expecting but I am delighted to be back in the game.”

Long-serving Loon Barry Sellars has left the club and player-assistant manager Gary Irvine will concentrate on playing duties only.

Smith said: “Forfar have a good squad but injuries have hurt them this season.

“I am a great believer that when that happens other players get a chance to shine. I am looking forward to helping Jim with that, starting against East Fife on Saturday.”

● Forfar have appointed former Dundee director Steve Martin as the club’s new commercial director while Keith Haggart, a former commercial manager at both Tannadice and Dens Park, is joining in a part-time capacity as a commercial executive.

Barry Smith is Forfar’s new assistant boss.