Queen's Park have confirmed Owen Coyle will become their new head coach at the end of the season - but is set to help their promotion push right away.
The former Burnley, Blackburn, St Johnstone and Ross County boss has agreed to take over at Hampden after spending the last two years in India where he led Jamshedpur to the Indian Super League Shield.
Coyle replaces Lawrie Ellis who was axed on Hogmanay.
And while he won’t officially take charge until June 1, Spiders chief executive Leeann Dempster says the 55-year-old will help prepare the side for their final six league games as the push to seal a play-off spot in League 1.
Coyle said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at a wonderful club in the Indian Super League, but it was time for me to come home and I am delighted to be joining an ambitious, progressive club in Queen’s Park.
“The club’s ambitions are really exciting, and the structure being put into place was enormously appealing to me. We have some terrific talent at the club and we will be looking to attract and develop more. The challenge is one I look forward to.”
Queen’s sit fourth in the table with 43 points from 30 games ahead of tomorrow's clash with Clyde.
Chief Executive Dempster added: “First of all, we’d like to thank Jamshedpur for the generous way they have behaved throughout our talks.
“With their agreement, and although he doesn’t officially start till June 1, Owen will be able to help us prepare our teams for the final few games of the season.
“We are excited to have secured a head coach of Owen’s experience and expertise. He has grown up in the Scottish game, as both player and coach, but has also added considerable international experience and brings all that wealth of knowledge to our club as we continue our journey to building a unique club that makes fans proud on and off the pitch.”
Coyle will work closely with Director of Football Operations Marijn Beuker, who moved to Hampden from Dutch Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar earlier this season.
Marijn Beuker said: “We have taken the time to find a suitable candidate, matching our desired profile. With 19 seasons as head coach in different countries, Owen has a wealth of experience and knows what winning looks like.
“Owen is a coach who believes in developing talent and creating a close- knit group. He’s a fantastic fit for us and I’m confident he’ll help the first team push on.
“Owen’s arrival also ensures that we can now continue to focus on composing the player group for next season and further growing our Academy and scouting organisation.”
