Rutkiewicz picks up the Binos’ reins

Stirling Albion have ended their search for a new manager by appointing Annan Athletic’s assistant manager Kevin Rutkiewicz.

The former Aberdeen, St Johnstone, Dunfermline, Morton, Carolina Railhawks and East Fife player joined the Galabank club as Peter Murphy’s number two in the summer of 2017 and the Forthbank men have brought him in to replace one-time Perth colleague Dave Mackay, who was sacked last month.

The League 2 outfit, who sit eighth in the table and were knocked out of the Scottish Cup at the weekend, see 38-year-old Rutkiewicz as the man to revive their fortunes. The club announced: “Kevin impressed the interviewing panel with his passion, energy and vision.

“Crucially, he also ticked our key criteria of managementexperienceandknowledge of the Scottish game, particularly in and around the lower SPFL set-up.

“Kevin has played a key role in his most recent successful position as assistant manager of Annan and we would wish to extend our sincere thanks to everyone at Annan for the efficient manner they have conductedcommunicationsoverthe past 24 hours to allow Kevin to leave his post with immediate effect to get started at Forthbank.

“Whilst disappointed to lose Kevin, he leaves Annan with their best wishes as he takes the next step in his management career.”