Ayr United has appointed John Rankin as interim manager for the remainder of the Scottish Championship season. The 42-year-old former Hamilton Academical boss takes over from Scott Brown, who departed Somerset Park by mutual consent on Monday. Ayr currently sit eighth in the table, seven points above the relegation play-off spot and eight points clear of bottom place.

Rankin will take charge immediately, overseeing training today with assistance from Jamie Murphy, Tommy Tait and Dave Timmins. Murphy, 36, continues to serve as both coach and player for the Honest Men. The club faces a crucial run of fixtures starting with home matches against Partick Thistle, Dunfermline Athletic and Arbroath before April visits to Ross County and Airdrieonians.

The timing of Brown's departure and Rankin's appointment comes as Ayr navigate a pivotal stretch of the season. With safety from relegation still not guaranteed, the club has opted for immediate stability through an internal appointment rather than a prolonged search for a permanent replacement.