Glenafton Athletic’s new boss Ryan Stevenson says his goal is to get the club back where they should be fighting at the top end of the table.

The Glens were rocked last week by the resignation of Mick McCann after their 4-3 loss to Bonnyton Thistle.

However, they moved quickly to find their replacement in ex-Hearts and Ayr United striker Ryan Stevenson.

Speaking to the Chronicle, Stevenson said: “I grew up in a Drongan and you know the two biggest junior teams are Glenafton and Auchinleck Talbot.

“So, when the opportunity arose I knew it would be a great chance to get stuck in.”

It is the 37-year-old’s first job in management but he has brought in an experienced figure alongside him to help him with the transition.

Former Ayr United manager Mark Roberts joins the coaching staff as Stevenson’s number two.

The ex-Troon hitman says Roberts was always in his mind to join him at Loch Park.

Stevenson said: “I have been friends with Mark for over 20 years and I always had plans for him to accompany me into my management journey.

“He has massive experience as a player and a manager.

“So, for me to have somebody like that by my side can only enhance me as a manager.”

The duo picked up their first win on their debut match in the dugout at the weekend.

A double from Leon Murphy gave the Glens a 2-0 away win against Hurlford United.

The result sees the Afton now sitting 16th in the Premier Division table and three points from safety.

Stevenson says he needs to instil some belief back in the players to help them climb the table and eventually be up at the top of it.

He said: “Where we are just now is not ideal and it is definitely not where the club should be.

“So, my job is to get the players believing in themselves and get a bit of a buzz back around the club.

“I also need to put blocks in place for the future to get the Glens back to where it should be and that is around the top of the division.”