Bollan takes over at Forfar hours after quitting Airdrie

Gary Bollan has been announced as Forfar's new boss just hours after quitting Airdrie.

The former Dundee United and Rangers defender replaces Dick Campbell, whose reign as the longest-serving boss in Scotland came to an end when he was axed last week.

Airdrie confirmed in a statement on Sunday night that the 42-year-old Bollan and his number two Stuart Balmer had left the club.

And just 12 hours later Forfar revealed the pair were heading to Station Park.

In a statement, the League One outfit said: "Forfar Athletic officials are delighted to confirm this morning that Gary Bollan has accepted an offer to become the club's new manager.

"Gary, who lives locally, will officially take up the position on Wednesday.

"His assistant at Airdrie, Stuart Balmer, will be assuming a similar role at Station Park while Ian Flaherty will complete Gary's backroom team as an assistant coach.

"As was well documented last week, the Station Park directors were delighted with the calibre of the applicants for the post and it was only after an extensive interviewing process that they came to the unanimous decision that

Gary was the man in their opinion to take the club forward in what are difficult times."

Airdrie chairman Tom Wotherspoon said: "We would like to thank Gary and his staff for their efforts in their time in charge.

"We will have a new coaching team in place for the home match with Peterhead on Boxing Day and will make an announcement about that to our fans in the coming days."