KILWINNING Rangers have appointed their new manager.

Kevin Kelly has been named as the man who will lead the Buffs Park side for the 2024/25 season.

The West of Scotland Football League (WoSFL) First Division side announced that Kelly would be taking on the role on Monday, June 17.

The announcement came shortly after the club held a supporters update meeting at 'The Claire Hub' within their home ground.

Kelly comes in following an 18-month spell at Second Division outfit Caledonian Locomotive, formerly known as Rossvale.

Kelly impressed during his only full season in charge of the Glasgow club, guiding them to a fourth place finish in the Second Division, narrowly missing out on promotion.

Alongside the rest of his management team - John McGowan, Steven Saunders and Scott Black - Kelly left the Locos at the end of last season.

He now fills the role vacated by Chris Aitken, who resigned as Buffs manager at the end of last month, bringing the same backroom team with him. Davie Wilson will also maintain his place as club goalkeeper coach.

Speaking to the Kilwinning Rangers media team, Kelly says he is looking forward to getting to work.

He commented: “Thanks to the chairman and committee firstly for the opportunity.

"We as a management team hope to make you proud of what’s on the pitch and in time bring success to the club.

"The support we received last night from the fans when we were unveiled at the supporters meeting was great and we look forward now to getting back to work and get the players ready for the season coming.”

Kelly will be tasked with getting Kilwinning back into the WoSFL Premier Division following a challenging campaign last time out.

(Image: Kilwinning Rangers Media)

Kilwinning missed out on promotion back into the top league, finishing in seventh place, following their relegation the season prior.

Club chairman Colin Evan says he is excited by the appointment, and believes Kelly can be the man to deliver success.

He told the club's media team: “It’s been a difficult few weeks for the club since the shock resignation of Chris Aitken.

"The management committee took our time to carry out our due diligence with the candidates that were in front of us and we firmly believe Kevin is a great appointment for the club.

"He buys into what we’re trying to do not just on the park but off it as well as within the community and our youth pathway which is pivotal to the success of football in the town.

"The club now look forward and can’t wait to see what the season has in store with Kevin in charge.”

Kelly will take charge of his new side for the first time on Wednesday, July 10, when Auchinleck Talbot visit Buffs Park for a pre-season friendly kicking off at 7.30pm.

A full pre-season schedule is still to be released by the North Ayrshire side.

Kelly will then lead his new side into competitive action when the WoSFL season gets under way on Saturday, July 27.