Elgin City appoint former Dundee and Celtic star Barry Smith as new manager following Ross Draper's departure from Borough Briggs hot seat after just 11 matches in charge
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Ross Draper has stepped down as Elgin City manager, with former Dundee boss Barry Smith taking over on a two-year deal.
The worst-kept secret in north football was revealed by City chairman Graham Tatters, who confirmed he has returned to the Black and Whites board after a short spell away.
Draper is understood to have recently dropped the bombshell to the club that he wanted to quit as player manager for personal reasons, and focus on just playing for City.
That instigated a move by the Moray club to quickly find a successor and Smith (49) fitted the bill.
Paisley-born Smith started his playing career at Celtic before going on to play for over a decade for Dundee, who he went on to manage.
He has also managed Alloa Athletic, Aldershot Town, East Fife, Raith Rovers, Brechin City and Pittsburgh City United, as well as being assistant at Forfar Athletic, Dumbarton and York United in Canada.
Draper only took over as City manager in May after being part of a caretaker team at the end of last season which steered the Black and Whites away from the relegation play-offs.
He was in charge for just 11 matches, Saturday's 5-1 defeat at Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic being his final fixture as boss.
Tatters, who recently returned as Elgin chair - interim chairwoman Isla Benzie now reverting to her previous board position - said: "We are delighted to have attracted Barry to Elgin City and he will take the team with immediate effect.
"He has a great pedigree and brings great experience to the club."
Smith takes charge for the first time in Saturday's SPFL Trust Trophy third round tie at Greenock Morton.
Meanwhile Draper may continue with Elgin in the defensive role he has occupied at the club for the past two seasons.
City sit second bottom of League 2 and have yet to register a league win this term.
