AMBITIOUS SALTCOATS VICTORIA on Wednesday moved quickly to appoint former ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS manager Derek Frye as their new boss.

The new comes only four days after Rikki Ryland left Campbell Park to take over at his former club Whitletts Victoria.

Ryland resigned from the Campbell Park club after two years in the hotseat following Saturday’s 4-0 home defeat against derby rivals Winton as he wanted to return to the Ayr club where he previously served as a player and coach.

Ex-Rovers player and coach John Gallagher, who has previously worked alongside Frye, has been appointed his number two. The duo will take charge for the District League game away to struggling Girvan on Saturday.

It will be former Ayr United player Frye’s first appointment since leaving Winton earlier this year.

Montgomerie said: “We are delighted to bring Derek and John on board. They have vast experience in the Junior game and we feel it’s a great appointment for the club. We look forward to working with Derek and John.

“We are sorry to see Rikki go and he left with a heavy heart. There is no fall out with Rikki and he goes with our very best wishes. He is grateful to us for giving him his first chance in management.” Meanwhile Saturday’s stormy Super First Division game between ARDEER THISTLE and Greenock, which was won 5- 3 by the visitors, is set be to be investigated by the SJFA.

Following a bust-up referee Craig Walker dismissed two players from each side, Toni Paton and George Bonner of Ardeer and the Greenock duo of Barri Stanton and Alan Docherty.

SJFA West Region secretary Scott Robertson said: “We are waiting on the referee’s report on the match. If the players don’t appeal the decisions, then they will be dealt with by the West Region committee.” For the full story see this week's Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.