Kilby act fast to appoint Rutkiewicz as new boss
East Kilbride have moved swiftly to name former Aberdeen and St Johnstone defender Kevin Rutkiewicz as their new manager, just days after Chris Aitken was relieved of his duties at K-Park.
The 41-year-old was last with Stirling Albion in League Two and left the Binos last year after a three-year stint.
Kilby made a shock announcement on Saturday that Chris Aitken was to leave his role after a 6-0 win over Gretna in the Lowland League Cup.
Rutkiewicz will be EK’s third manager this season after Aitken took over from brother Stephen in August following a poor start to the Lowland League campaign.
Starting out at Aberdeen, Rutkiewicz made his debut in an SPL fixture against Hibs in 1999 at the age of 19.
He went on to make almost 70 first-team appearances for the Dons before joining St Johnstone in 2004, where he stayed for seven years.
The former defender has also turned out for Dunfermline, Morton, Carolina Railhawks, East Fife, Blantyre Victoria, Irvine Meadow, Clyde and Annan Athletic.
A statement released by the club read:“East Kilbride FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Kevin Rutkiewicz as our new first team manager.
“Former Stirling Albion boss Kevin will be assisted by Bill Orr as his coaching team begins to take shape.
“Prior to taking the management role at Stirling Albion, which he held for three years before stepping down at the end of 2021, Kevin enjoyed a memorable playing career in the SPFL with spells at Aberdeen and St Johnstone, among others.
“Kevin and Bill will take immediate charge of first team matters and will lead the squad into our South Challenge Cup quarter-final against Sauchie at K-Park on Saturday.”