Brown back in Scottish football at Ayr United

Celtic legend Scott Brown has made a return to Scottish football after being appointed as Ayr United's new head coach.

The former Hoops captain has been out of management since being sacked by English League One side Fleetwood in September.

He will be assisted by his former Hibernian team-mate Steven Whittaker at Somerset Park with both signing contracts until 2026.

Brown, who also played for Hibs and Aberdeen, had been linked with several jobs including Forrest Green, Inverness and St Johnstone.

The 38-year-old takes over from Lee Bullen who was dismissed by the Scottish Championship side after a goalless draw with bottom side Arbroath.

Ayr United chairman David Smith said: "I am delighted to welcome Scott and Steven as the new management team.

"We have had a busy eight days conducting informal conversations and more formal interviews with a number of very credible candidates and Scott and Steven showed lots of positive attributes that made them the preferred candidates for the club.