Former Everton defender Naysmith to join Ayr United in 2026

Gary Naysmith will become Ayr United's new manager after the Scottish Championship play-off campaign.

Gary Naysmith to Leave Stenhousemuir Gary Naysmith will join Ayr United as their new manager once he completes the Scottish Championship play-off campaign with Stenhousemuir. The 47-year-old has led the part-time side to the brink of promotion after finishing runners-up behind Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Stenhousemuir drew the first leg of their semi-final 1-1 away to third-top Queen of the South on Tuesday. This comes after Ayr United announced that Naysmith has agreed a three-year contract to join their full-time set-up in the Championship next season and will be joined by Stenhousemuir assistant Brown Ferguson. ## Ayr United Seek New Manager Ayr United were seeking a new manager after former Scotland midfielder Scott Brown exited in March after his side slipped out of the promotion race after a nine-game run without a victory and eventually finished seventh. Chairman David Smith told his club website: 'Their ability to outperform budget is clear not only from their time at Stenhousemuir but also in their previous roles at a variety of clubs in Scotland. What became clear through the interview process was Gary's enthusiasm to be involved with Ayr United and the skillset he has to take our club forward.' ## Naysmith's Background and Experience Gary Naysmith began his managerial career with East Fife before spells with Queen of the South and Edinburgh City, taking over at Stenhousemuir in 2023 and leading them to their first-ever league title to win promotion to League 1 and has followed that with back-to-back promotion play-off campaigns. Stenhousemuir were in the running for the title and automatic promotion this season right up until the final day and he was nominated this year for the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year award. Chairman Dan Wharton told Stenhousemuir's website: 'He came in, transformed what was possible here, achieved promotion success and leaves the club in its highest-ever league position.' ## Stenhousemuir's Upcoming Match Should Stenhousemuir beat Naysmith's former club, Queens, on Saturday, they will face either Airdrieonians or Alloa Athletic, who lead their semi-final 1-0, in the play-off final. Stenhousemuir drew the first leg of their semi-final 1-1 away to third-top Queen of the South on Tuesday.