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Daily Record
Sport
Ben Banks

Raith Rovers announce new manager as Airdrie boss departs from Diamonds

Ian Murray has left his position as manager of Airdrie to become the new boss of Championship club Raith Rovers.

The 41-year-old's move to Kirkcaldy was reported on Monday with former Hibs teammate and Kelty Hearts gaffer Kevin Thomson pulling out of the race.

It's now been officially confirmed that Murray will take over from John McGlynn on a two-year deal.

That's a huge blow for the Diamonds, who fell painfully short of promotion to the second tier for the second year running.

They lost 3-2 on aggregate to Queen's Park in the Championship play-off final, reaching that frontier after a club-record unbeaten run in League One.

Murray's side also gained plaudits for an attractive style of play and high number of talented individuals, including Dylan Easton, Rhys McCabe, Adam Frizzell and more.

He moved to North Lanarkshire in 2018 after time as Dumbarton and St Mirren boss, alongside a coaching stint in Norway. Murray has delivered top half finishes in League One every year he's been in charge.

Airdrie's announcement said: "Ian leaves Airdrieonians in much better shape than when he arrived in 2018, and has helped professionalise the club for which we are grateful.

"Ian leaves Airdrieonians in much better shape than when he arrived in 2018, and has helped professionalise the club for which we are grateful. Au revoir, Ian!"

A Raith statement reads: "Raith Rovers FC are delighted to announce the appointment of Ian Murray as the club’s new First Team Manager on a two-year-contract.

"We hope that the 41-year-old’s arrival at Stark’s Park is the turn of the first page in a new chapter in the club’s history after proving himself as the outstanding candidate in an extremely strong pool of interviewees for the role."

Rovers chairman Steven MacDonald added: "I am delighted to welcome Ian Murray to Raith Rovers as first team manager.

"Ian is a creative hardworking ambitious manager, with an ability and foresight to make changes at the appropriate time, coupled with his determination to win.

"I feel we have made a great appointment and look forward to Ian bringing success to Raith Rovers”

Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.

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