LESS than a week after parting company with Andy Healy, Lochgelly Albert have appointed a new boss.

He comes from within the ranks and is experienced defender Ross Gallacher.

Ross was helping with coaching when he was out with an injury and has impressed the committee.

He has played senior with Queen's Park and spent many years as part of the highly successful Kirkintilloch Rob Roy side.

He was signed by Andy Healy early in the season and has brought experience to the Berts defence, playing in a central role.

Said Albert secretary, Ian Patrick: "Ross played with Queen's Park in the senior ranks and had several seasons with Rob Roy and is a highly experienced player.

"He has impressed during a spell coaching while injured and is looking forward to taking the club into the East of Scotland League next season.

"It may be that there will not be any more junior football this term which is disappointing and not the way we wanted to end 94 years in the junior ranks, but there is nothing that can be done about that."

Ross may start the season as a player/boss and will be assisted by Kevin Kinnell and Dave Sheach, who have been influential in the success of the Lochgelly Albert Colts set-up, and goalkeeping coach Dan Farley.

Meanwhile the Berts have plans to make some improvements to Gardiner's Park for the step up to the senior ranks, as Ian explained: "We need to get separate toilet facilities for match officials and already had plans to build a new toilet block for fans.

"Historically, we have had our dug-outs on opposite sides of the pitch, but we will be looking at bringing these to the same side of the ground."