NO SOONER had Darren Cummings taken on the role of assistant manager, than he received the backing of former Sauchie boss Fraser Duncan.

Cummings revealed that the former Beechwood Park gaffer – who is also his brother-in-law – phoned him to offer him tips ahead of starting his new role.

The veteran has stepped up from his role in Iain Diack's backroom staff to replace long-term assistant Adrian Hanson, who left the club by mutual consent.

Cummings told Advertiser Sport: "Fraser phoned me up and wished me all the best and told me a few things that would help to make me a success.

"He told me to make sure I got my point across. I worked under some great coaches at Sauchie, like Fraser, Iain, and Bob Grant.

"I feel I've got a lot of knowledge to pass onto the boys and I know what it takes to succeed there.

"I've learned a lot from Fraser. He was like a father figure to me and if I can take on what he taught me then, hopefully, I can support Iain and make this club a success."

Cummings has been a mainstay for the club for over a decade, minus a short stint at Bo'ness, and admits it feels natural to be taking the next steps in his career with the Reds.

A two goal hero in the East of Scotland Cup triumph of 2014, he has also been a member of squads that have seen both promotion and relegation.

He continued: "I've been there for ten years and to get that role is just great. I really can't wait to get going and to sink my teeth into it.

"It's unfortunate for Adrian, but he phoned me and wished me all the best. I've got a lot of time for Adrian. He's a really good guy."

Cummings' playing days may be drawing to a close, but they have certainly been colourful.

He said: "It has been slowly, but surely creeping up on me. I can't really last 90 minutes these days.

"If you can't play, you want to still be involved in some way.

"It's a family club and I just love being part of it. It was a bit of a proud moment for me.

"It has snuck up a wee bit quicker than I was anticipating, but life is like that."

Notoriously one of the squad's great dressing room characters, the 34-year-old revealed he has already taken the step of removing himself from the team Whatsapp; much to the disappointment of the rest of the side.

"I just hope they will listen to me," he joked. "The boys are like: 'we don't know if we can take you seriously as you're one of us'.

"I've even had to remove myself from the Whatsapp chat and they've been gutted cause I am one of the characters in the team.

"But, it's time to break it away and grow up. I am there to help Iain, but I'll need those boys to help me as it's my first role."