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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Eric McGowan

Kevin Deeney takes reins at Irvine Meadow until end of season

Kevin Deeney has been put in charge at Irvine Meadow until the end of the season following the shock resignation of George Grierson on Friday.

Deeney, Grierson's long-time assistant, steps up to the hotseat after talks with Medda chairman Robert Jeffrey and general manager Brian Lamb.

He took the first team yesterday as they claimed a vital 1-0 away win at Hurlford in the West of Scotland League Premier Division.

And he told Ayrshire Football News he's taking the role on - at least on a short term basis - with Grierson's blessing after opting to go it alone for the first time in his coaching career.

Speaking after yesterday game, Deeney said: "My plan is to keep going. I spoke to Geordie and he said go-ahead, go and take it.

"It's not something I've ever wanted to do because Geordie has always been there. I've always enjoyed being assistant because Geordie is a dead good guy to work with.

"But I spoke with Brian and Robert and they asked what do I want to do.

"I said I'll come today and take the team and I'll run it till the end of the season and we'll see what happens.

"They were happy with Geordie so they were like, 'we're happy with you and the backroom staff'.

"They don't want any upheaval or change. Geordie leaving has caught them out. They're as shocked as anyone.

"As long as they want me here I'll just keep trucking on and see where it goes."

"I'll work out in the next week or two if management is for me."

Deeney reckons a break will do Grierson a world of good after he stepped down after five months in the hotseat, citing personal reasons. He missed several weeks of the season after suffering a dislocated hip.

Deeney added: "I know him really well and he needs to go and rest.

"I personally think he's come back too soon and I think he knows that but he hides it well."

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