Charlie Mulgrew's permanent manager replacement confirmed as YOUNGEST boss in SPFL appointed
It's the new boss' first permanent gig as a manager
TAM'S THE MAN Charlie Mulgrew's permanent manager replacement confirmed as YOUNGEST boss in SPFL appointed
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CHARLIE MULGREW'S managerial reign at Kelty Hearts didn't go to plan.
But following the Celtic hero's ill-fated spell, the League One outfit have now confirmed their new manager.
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Charlie Mulgrew left Kelty last month
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Thomas O'Ware is the new Kelty captain
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He previously played for Partick Thistle
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Former Scotland defender Mulgrew was appointed Kelty boss in January following Michael Tidser's exit for Dunfermline.
But he lasted just 11 games in charge in what turned out to be a disastrous spell in charge.
Less than three months after his appointment, he quit the role.
That decision came on the back of a thumping 6-0 defeat at home to already relegated Dumbarton.
Mulgrew revealed the following week that it had "been a weight off my shoulders."
In a candid interview, he admitted he didn't know what he was getting in for and conceded management might not be for him.
Having gone six games without a win under Mulgrew, Kelty won their first game after his departure.
That was under the leadership of caretaker manager Thomas O'Ware.
And ahead of Saturday's final League One game of the season against Alloa, Kelty have confirmed their new permanent manager.
It's defender O'Ware who has landed his first full-time gig as a boss.
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The former Morton and Partick Thistle defender joined Kelty in 2021 and has had a couple of stints as caretaker boss this season.
He's also been club captain and was part of the team promoted to to League One in 2022.
Alongside his managerial duties, O'Ware will continue to play.
The club say they have been impressed with his "professionalism and attention to detail" and have handed him the reins permanently.
Kelty said: "We are delighted to announce the permanent appointment of Thomas O'Ware as Player/Manager.
"Thomas has impressed everyone at the club with his professionalism and attention to detail during his two spells in interim charge this season.
"We are sure that this appointment will prove to be popular with players and fans alike, and we ask all supporters to get behind Thomas and his players for Saturday's final league game against Alloa.
Youngest managers in SPFL
Thomas O'Ware, Kelty Hearts (32)
David Gold, Arbroath (32)
Jordon Brown, Peterhead (32)
Rhys McCabe, Airdrieonians (32)
Colin Hamilton, Arbroath (32)
"O'Ware has been a fan favourite at New Central Park both on and off the pitch since his arrival in 2021. After spells with Greenock Morton and Partick Thistle, O'Ware has been a rock in the Kelty backline.
"He was made captain at the beginning of the 2023/24 season. O'Ware has been in charge of five league matches so far as interim boss over two spells, with one win and three draws.
Everyone involved with the club is looking forward to Saturday to officially begin the new era."
Aged 32, O'Ware becomes the youngest manager in the SPFL.
He's a couple of months younger than Arbroath co-manager David Gold.
Hibs boss David Gray is the youngest boss in the Scottish Premiership at 36 years old.
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