Tranent appoint Jonny Stewart as manager permanently

The 34-year-old, whose playing career also included spells at Brechin City and East Fife, joined the Belters as player/assistant manager from Bonnyrigg in the summer.

However, he has been at the helm on an interim basis since the sudden departure of Ian Little after just two games of the new season.

His full-time appointment was confirmed before Tranent welcomed Gala Fairydean Rovers last Tuesday evening.

The club released a brief statement wishing Stewart – who will be assisted by former Tranent player and manager Darren Smith – well ahead of the kick-off.

Jonny Stewart has been appointed manager of Tranent. Image: Tranent Football Club

They said: “Having gone through a selection process, Jonny impressed the board with his focus, plans for the team and proven leadership.

“Although this is his first managerial position, he has previous coaching experience from his time at Bonnyrigg Rose.

“Darren will need no introduction to the Tranent fans, having previously played for the club and managed the cup-winning side of 2017.”

Speaking on the morning of the game, Stewart told Courier Sport: “It is no secret that I wanted to get into management.

“I felt I could still play for another year or so and that is why the player/assistant manager role really appealed to me.

“The club felt I was the right person to take the club forward and it would be very difficult for me to turn the opportunity down.

“Tranent is a great club and it is great opportunity for a great first job for me going forwards.”

Tranent were winners against Civil Service Strollers last weekend

Little, who won the Lowland League Cup last season, left Tranent after an opening-day draw with Cowdenbeath and a home defeat to Berwick Rangers.

Since then, Stewart, who started his career with Hearts, has guided the Belters to four wins.

He spoke about working alongside Little and also taking charge following his departure.

He said: “To be fair, it is never nice to see a manager get the sack.

“Ian brought me to the club and I enjoyed working with him.

“I was disappointed to see him move on.

“When the club asked me to be interim manager, it was something I was looking forward to and we have managed to win four of six games, which has been a decent start.

“I have a lot of respect for Ian and worked with him at Bonnyrigg Rose.

“I know how good a guy he is and as a coach and manager.

“I was looking forward to working with him, learning certain things, and to have it cut short was difficult but, at the same time, it was a great opportunity for myself to step in as interim manager.

“At the end of the day, I am employed by Tranent to do the best for the club.”

Tranent’s only defeats under Stewart came last month when Albion Rovers triumphed 2-0 at Foresters Park, before league leaders Celtic B won 6-0 in Airdrie on the last day of August.

Stewart, who works in Loanhead, noted that he was missing five players, who would probably have started the contest at the Excelsior Stadium.

Later this month, Tranent also have a Scottish Cup tie to look forward to when they travel to reigning Midlands Football League champions Dundee North End.

Stewart said: “Obviously, I would have preferred a home tie, but I don’t think it is a bad tie for the club.

“I don’t know much about them but we will look at them and take care of that nearer the time.

“I think if we turn up and play how we can play and treat them with the respect they deserve, we should, hopefully, get through the tie.”