THERE’S a new man in the Townhead hot seat.

Former Wishaw Juniors boss - John McKeown - has been unveiled as the man to take over at Cumnock following Brian McLuckie’s resignation.

McKeown was the man who masterminded Wishaw’s stunning West of Scotland Cup win over Auchinleck Talbot in 2012 and he is looking to start his tenure at Cumnock in the same fashion as he jumps in at the deep end with a visit to Beechwood as his first game in charge.

Speaking to the Chronicle, McKeown said: “Cumnock approached Wishaw Juniors and myself and went through all the right channels and I agreed to take over on Monday night.

“Wishaw have been great. They understood the opportunity of going to a Premier Division side and they didn’t stand in my way.

“We’ve got a massive game on Saturday but sometimes you’re better being thrown in at the deep end and just go from there. If you can’t get the players up for a game against Talbot then you’d be as well chucking it.” McKeown had a brief stint with Cumnock as a player back in the 2006/07 season.

McKeown added: “I played in a couple of derby games in my short spell at Cumnock the last time so I’ve got a good idea of what it’s all about and we are desperate to get a win.

“Winning my first game against Talbot would be a great start, but it’s easier said than done.” McKeown met his new charges on Tuesday night ahead of Saturday’s crunch derby clash.

McKeown said: “There’s talent in the squad and I believe we can have a good season hopefully starting with a good result on Saturday.

“One of my biggest successes was beating Talbot in the West of Scotland Cup a couple of years ago with Wishaw so if we can repeat that I’ll be a happy man.

“I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity, it’s a big chance for me and hopefully I will be at Cumnock for a long time.

“I’m going in with a completely open mind. The previous manager has left a good squad and hopefully we can get them playing well under my own style and tactics. We just want to climb that league table and a couple of good cup runs.” Cumnock Juniors Secretary, George Morton said: “We’ve spoke to a few candidates but for us John stood out. He’s a young manager and he’s keen and we are delighted he has agreed to join the club.”