Gary Naysmith will take the helm at Ayr United once his current play‑off campaign with Stenhousemuir concludes. The former Scotland full‑back, who guided Stenhousemuir to their first league title and a promotion to League One, has been tipped as the next boss after Ayr's manager Scott Brown left in March. Naysmith is set to replace him.

Ayr United slipped out of the promotion race after a nine‑game winless streak, ending the season in seventh place. Chairman Dan Wharton said the club needed a fresh direction, and the search focused on someone with a proven ability to lift teams. Naysmith’s enthusiasm and track record made him a natural fit.

Under Naysmith, Stenhousemuir finished the season in the running for automatic promotion and entered the playoffs as title‑hungry contenders. He was nominated for the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year award after guiding the club to a historic first‑ever league title. His success has left Stenhousemuir in its highest‑ever league position for the club's future ambitions.

If Stenhousemuir beat Queens on Saturday, they will face either Airdrieonians or Alloa Athletic in the semi‑final, both leading 1-0. A win would mean Naysmith’s first tenure at Ayr United could start with a promotion‑campaign legacy, while Ayr fans will welcome a manager who has already proven he can deliver results in the Scottish Championship for the club's future.