Crawford agrees to take on Cowden job

Former Dunfermline manager Stevie Crawford is back in football after being confirmed as the new Cowdenbeath boss.

The 50-year-old has agreed to take charge of the Lowland League side for the remainder of the current campaign.

His appointment comes following the exit of Calum Elliot for the manager’s role at League Two side Bonnyrigg Rose on Monday.

Cowdenbeath have just four games left this season and it is understood no discussions have taken place between Crawford and the Central Park board over the possibility of a long-term agreement.

Crawford, out of the game after a brief stint as Rosyth boss ended with the East of Scotland side folding, said: “I’ve agreed to go in and help Cowden out for the last four games of the season. I’m looking forward to it.

“It will give the club time to try to get the person they want for the role in the longer term.”

The Blue Brazil sit 11th in the Lowland League, with 10 wins, 10 draws and 10 defeats from their 30 matches.

They are 27 points adrift of runaway league leaders East Kilbride.

Crawford has also had two spells as manager at East Fife and turned out for all four senior Fife clubs as a player after kicking off his career at Raith Rovers.

The former Scotland, Millwall, Hibernian, Plymouth Argyle and Dunfermline striker also played for Dundee United before becoming assistant to Liam Fox at Tannadice for a six-month stint last season.

Long-time number two Jason Dair has agreed to join Crawford at Central Park, where he was previously assistant to Colin Nish and then caretaker boss.

A Cowdenbeath statement read: “We are very pleased to be able to confirm that, following discussions, Stevie Crawford has agreed to take temporary charge of the team until the end of the season.

“Stevie, as a local boy of course, is very well known – not least for his fine playing career, which saw him win 25 caps for Scotland.

“He has also managed both Dunfermline Athletic and East Fife in the SPFL, plus been assistant manager at Dundee United.

“Assisting Stevie will be his one-time playing colleague Jason Dair, who returns to his hometown club where he previously had a stint as assistantmanager, and Stevie’s former assistant at Rosyth, Graeme Nutt.

“Our grateful thanks go to all three for their willingness to help out

Meanwhile, Cowden have agreed compensation to allow assistant-manager Kevin Smith to join Elliot at Bonnyrigg.