EAST KILBRIDE have appointed former Scotland Under-21 boss Billy Stark as their new manager.

The Lowland League outfit have been searching for Martin Lauchlan’s replacement for several weeks.

EK narrowly missed out on promotion to League Two last term as they were beaten in the play-off final by Cowdenbeath.

And Stark is pleased to be back in the game after leaving Albion Rovers alongside boss Darren Young at the end of the campaign.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining such an ambitious club with a clear vision of where it wants to go.

“I would like to thank the board at East Kilbride for the opportunity that I believe offers a great step forward. I am very excited to start working with the players, and the friendly against Celtic and high quality Betfred Cup matches in July offer fantastic preparation for our forthcoming campaign.

“I am inheriting a strong core of players from last season who came very close to SPFL promotion, and it is obvious there has been great work done at the club in the past by previous managers.

“The town of East Kilbride deserves a senior side in the SPFL, and I will do everything possible to help make the vision a reality.”

Stark has yet to appoint his backroom team but he will be assisted by Under-20 coach Craig Young in the interim.

The 60-year-old has also had spells in the dugout with Celtic, Morton, St Johnstone and Queen’s Park after he brought the curtain down on his playing career.

Chairman Mark Horner said: “For us to secure Billy as our new Manager is a real coup for East Kilbride.

“Everyone in Scottish football is aware of his pedigree and reputation as one of the best coaches in our game, and we are delighted to welcome him to K-Park.”