GLENAFTON Athletic have appointed former Dundee United midfielder Paul Paton as the club's new manager.

The 37-year-old ex-Glens player, who signed for Irvine Meadow before the start of the 2024/25 season, returns to the New Cumnock side for his first stint in the hot seat.

Glens wasted no time announcing their new man, having confirmed on Sunday that boss Ryan Caddis had left his role 'by mutual agreement' after less than a year in charge.

Paul PatonPaul Paton (Image: NQ) A statement released by Glenafton on Tuesday evening read: "Paul has enjoyed an illustrious career in the game playing for and captaining clubs amongst others such as Partick Thistle and Dundee United.

"Paul joined the Glens at the start of the 2022/2023 season before leaving to join Irvine Meadow XI FC at the start of this season.

"Paul's leadership skills and knowledge of the game made him the outstanding candidate for the job, and we are delighted Paul has chosen Glenafton as the club to begin his managerial career with."

Paton's predecessor Caddis moved on from his post following last weekend's 2-0 defeat at the hands of Dalry Thistle in the second round of the South Challenge Cup.

Caddis took over in November last year and steered the team to league safety before a mixed bag of results at the start of the new West of Scotland Football League Premier Division season saw his brief tenure come to an end.

Glens are without a win in seven games since seeing off St Cadoc's and Darvel in July.

Paton - who has also turned out for Queen's Park, St Johnstone and Dumbarton - will confirm his backroom staff in due course, the club said.

The statement added: "We urge all our supporters to get behind the club and Paul ahead of Saturday's clash against Ellon United."