Top duo take charge at Ardrossan Winton Rovers

This appointment followed the surprise resignation of Derek Frye two days earlier.

And Strain, who along with McColl has won 20 trophies in a glittering career so far, including three Premier Division titles, says his new side are still not out of the promotion race.

Frye’s shock departure brought to an end his second spell at the club and came three days after Winton suffered a 5-0 defeat at home to IRVINE VICTORIA.

However with caretaker boss John Gallagher in charge and Strain and McColl watching, Winton demolished Darvel 6-1 away from home to leave them just 11 points behind leaders and the new duo’s forer club, whom they face away on Saturday and seven adrift of IRVINE VICTORIA.

Chairman Dougie Rae said: “Results have not been good recently.

"When Derek Frye is firing on all cylinders as a coach he is second to none but it didn’t happen this time.

"Regrettably recent results have been disappointing and subsequently Derek decided to resign.

"We wish him all the best for the future.

"Chris Strain and John McColl’s track record is second to none and we are confident the club and the management team share the same ambitions.” Strain (56), who also worked with McColl at Troon and Ardeer, told Sportscene on Monday: “I took some time out from the game after I left Irvine Meadow and played some golf and enjoyed a break.

"But I live locally now and this is a good opportunity for us at Winton as the club have a very good committee and are ambitious off-the-field.

"Our aim must be to take them to the top of the Junior game, I don’t see why we can’t achieve that.

“I don’t know what was wrong before but we spoke to the players before the game at Darvel and they responded well.

"The aim is promotion this season or next season.

"We are not out of it yet and have an important game at Ardeer which we must look to win.

"We will probably add some experienced players next season but right now everyone starts with a clean slate and they have a chance to show what they can do in the remaining five league games.” Frye said: “I resigned as manager and have my reasons for doing it but I want to wish the Winton committee, the fans and the players all the best.” Meanwhile Ardeer boss Derek Cook concedes his side will be wary of Winton as they head to Stevenston for the league clash and was not overly disappointed with the 3-3 draw away to IRVINE VICTORIA.

It kept them four points ahead of the Westenders, who have three games in hand.

He said: “After the match I was a bit disappointed we didn’t win but now we will take a point.

"We are challenging but I think the promotion race will go to the wire.

"There are still six teams in it. Winton have some very good players and did well under Derek Frye but now Chris Strain and Jock McColl will be looking to do well and they are in the mix.

"I reckon we will have to win two of our last three games to have a good chance of going up.” BEITH JUNIORS manager Johnny Millar is calling on his team to tighten up on defending following their 5-2 defeat away to Super First Division leaders Troon.

He said: “I think Troon wanted it more than us.

"They scored some good goals including two free-kicks but they were self-inflicted.

"I was just wondering why big John Sheridan was sent off for last man and the big goalie was last man, I know the boy slipped but he’s going to put it into the goals but we can have no complaints Troon are a good side.

“But the last two or three weeks we have been losing goals and that’s not helping us, we’re having to score three and four to win a game.

"If we win our last eight games we win the title but that’s tough in this league.” KILWINNING RANGERS have signed former Stranraer youths midfielder Lewis McIntyre to replace Mark Gilmour, who is leaving the club.

They will also play Canadian midfielder Noah Dino, who has been training with Kilmarnock and St Mirren, as a trialist in a few games.