HILL of Beath Hawthorn are pleased to announce the appointment of John Mitchell as first team manager.

John, who has recently been acting as caretaker boss will take up his new permanent post with immediate effect and will be joined by James Ferguson as first team coach, with additional appointments to be announced in due course as part of the new management team, including the structure of the U20s management.

Mitch, steps up to his new role with the first team from his current role as U20s and Football Development Manager and will continue to play an important role in the overall club football strategy and established 'player pathway,' as well as undertaking first team responsibilities.

During an 18 year playing career with the Haws, Mitch played in 798 matches for the club, captained the team to several league and cup wins and played in the Haws' Scottish Junior Cup winning side in 1990.

Said secretary Scott Forrest: "The club wish Mitch and his team every success in their new role and would like to take the opportunity to thank the numerous applicants for the position for their interest."

John Mitchell was instrumental in helping build the base that has made Blue Brazil Boys Club a very successful youth set-up and its development and then linking BBBC with the Haws two years ago which has created the player pathway structure which is seeing the club produce some outstanding young players.

During his spell as caretaker the Haws won two and drew one of the three games he bossed the team, beating Penicuik twice and drawing with Broxburn.