GARDNER Speirs has been appointed as the new manager of Queen's Park.
The Hampden Park outfit handed the 44-year-old a two-year contract at the weekend in succession to Scotland under-21 manager Billy Stark.
Speirs has now left the assistant manager's post at Partick Thistle and will take the reins at Queen’s this week in time for Saturday’s league game against Brechin.
The former Clyde gaffer has vast managerial experience which includes coaching roles at Aberdeen and caretaker manager of Ross County.
The Spiders’ president Garry Templeman was delighted with the appointment.
He said: "Gardner’s coaching credentials are outstanding.
“As a UEFA-qualified coach, he is the ideal candidate to continue player and club development at Queen’s Park.
“Gardner was the first name on our short-list and we are very grateful to Allan Cowan and Ian McCall at Partick Thistle for allowing the approach.
“There were many high-quality applicants, but we wanted to identify the best fit for the club taking into account our unique status, treatment of players, the passing game, coaching environment and continual development strategy.
“I would thank all the applicants for their interest.”
Speirs began his football career as a youth player at St Mirren working up the ranks until he made it into the first team.
He then had brief loan spells at Dunfermline Athletic and Kilmarnock before joining Hartlepool United on a short term non-contract basis.
Upon his return to Scotland he played for Airdrie and then East Stirling before sampling life in the Junior game with Bathgate Thistle.
Meanwhile, the club also announced the appointment of George Watson this week as manager of youth and development.
Templeman added: “I am also pleased to announce that George Watson has accepted the full-time post of manager of youth and community development.
“George was previously doing these jobs on a part-time basis but, with the success and ambition at the club, it was agreed to extend them to full-time.
“On behalf of us all at the club, Gardner and George have our best wishes for continued success."
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