Jon Tully appointed interim manager of Sauchie Juniors

The former defender and Reds captain was named the new boss at Beechwood until the end of the 2024/25 season.

This follows the surprise departure of Fraser Duncan last week, along with assistant manager Darren Cummings, Greig Maitland and Andy Brown.

Sauchie announced the appointment on their social media channels, explaining Tully's desire to get into coaching.

A post read: "Sauchie Juniors are delighted to confirm the appointment of Jon Tully as interim manager until the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.

"Jon is certainly no stranger to the club, deployed in the heart of defence over several spells as a player, while also a leader on the park who would be tasked with the captaincy.

"Towards the end of his playing career, Jon had expressed a desire to get into coaching and was appointed first-team coach under predecessor Fraser Duncan.

"Latterly, he has also been involved in the management team of our Under 18s and 20s squads, overseeing 13 of these players feature with their first-team counterparts in competitive fixtures across the current season."

Tully made his managerial debut in the 2-1 win over Hill of Beath Hawthorn at the weekend.

He will now look to lead training over the coming week before the Reds next game against Whitburn.

On his appointment, Tully said: "First of all, I would just like to thank the club for this fantastic opportunity.

"To be honest, it's something I thought could possibly happen in 10/15 years.

"Now that it's happened, it's time to get stuck right in and continue the progress that Fraser has had over his years in charge.

"They are certainly big shoes to fill with all the success he has had over the years."

Duncan and his coaching staff announced their departures following the 2-0 defeat to Dundonald Bluebell on Saturday, February 8.

The boss called time on 16 years at the club, citing refereeing decisions and the latest COMET controversy as key factors in his decision.

Tully added: "In the past few years, helping [Duncan] and Darren on the coaching team has helped me learn how to deal with different situations within football.

"I can't thank them enough for their support in not just the past three years coaching, but especially in the past few days, helping me to understand some of the manager's tasks no one gets to see.

"I would like to wish them all the best in the future."