FORMER football development officer for the Borders, Dougie Anderson, has been appointed assistant manager at Queen of the South.

The 52-year-old from Galashiels joined Gary Naysmith at Palmerston Park this week.

After winning promotion from League Two with East Fife last season, Naysmith was approached about the vacant Queens job at the end of November.

And his first appointments on accepting the post were his Bayview assistant Anderson as well as chief scout Mark Forsyth, who is also from Galashiels.

Dougie told us: "Things happen really quickly in football.

"An approach was made to the gaffer (Naysmith) and he accepted it within 24 hours.

"Queen of the South is a well run, community club with a very strong business case for going full time.

"It is a great opportunity for the gaffer and myself to take the next step."

Anderson arrived at East Fife three years ago to coach beneath manager Willie Aitchison.

Having previously spent two years at Cowdenbeath, the UEFA A Licence holder, remained in the Bayview dugout after Aitchison was replaced by former Scotland defender Naysmith.

And the duo have formed a prolific partnership, guiding East Fife to the League Two championship in their second season.

Following Naysmith's departure to Dumfries at the start of last week, Dougie took over as interim manager and guided the Fifers into the fourth round of the Scottish Cup on Wednesday before picking up three valuable points at Brechin on Saturday.

He explained: "There was a clause in the release for me to stay on and take the team while East Fife find a new manager.

"The club has been great to me for the past three years and I was delighted that I could leave with the two wins."

The downside to accepting the full-time position at Queen of the South is having to step down from his area manager's job with Live Borders.

And the dad-of-two had to convince wife Debbie that football is the future.

Dougie added: "My wife is thankfully understanding.

"I would have regretted this for the rest of my life if I hadn't gone with the gaffer to Queen of the South. It is something I've always wanted to do."

Forsyth, who is a gym manager in Galashiels with Live Borders, won't be giving up his day job.

But his scouting workload has already increased.

Mark told us: "As well as taking in Championship games I am also going to Under 20s matches.

"I am just delighted Gary asked me to go with him. I spent three happy years at East Fife, scouting at every ground from Elgin to Stranraer but, just like Dougie, you can't turn down an offer like this.

"I've already been to Falkirk and Dunfermline since Gary's appointment and I'm off to watch Celtic Under 20s this week.

"I doubt if there are many who work harder than Gary and Dougie. I'm going to be busy but I'm just happy to be part of the team."

Queen of the South are currently sixth in the Championship - 15 points behind leaders Hibernian and four points adrift of the play-off places.