Former Hibernian and Dundee United midfielder John Rankin has secured his first managerial role after being appointed boss of Hamilton Academical.
The 39-year-old, who joined the club as first-team coach in December, replaces Stuart Taylor following his departure last week.
Rankin, who also represented Ross County, Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Falkirk after coming through the Manchester United academy, previously held a role at Heart of Midlothian’s under-18 side.
He told the Accies website: “I am privileged to sit here as the club’s new head coach.
“Speaking with the board I believe that our vision for this football club is very much aligned.
“The fitness levels of the squad are very high, but we want to keep improving between now and the Dundee game on July 9 and I am looking forward to getting the new season under way.”
Accies finished sixth in the cinch Championship last term after being relegated from the Premiership at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.
They kick off their Premier Sports Cup group stage campaign with a trip to fellow second tier side Dundee before hosting Stranraer and Queen’s Park either side with an away tie at Forfar Athletic.
Rankin will take charge of his first league game when Accies face Greenock Morton at New Douglas Park on July 30.
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