HAWICK Royal Albert are putting their faith in youth with the appointment of a new manager.

Kenny Aitchison has become the youngest manager in Lowland League history at the age of 23.

The sports science graduate, who played with Edinburgh University, is a well-respected coach.

And he has most recently been scouting for Partick Thistle.

Albert secretary Dougie Purves said: "Kenny has a lot of ambition and came across exceptionally well during his interview.

"It will surprise some people that we have a 23-year-old manager but we are confident Kenny will do a good job."

Hawick were rocked twice during their first season in the Lowland League as Dean Shanks suddenly resigned in February despite steering them to the third round of the Scottish Cup.

His replacement Kevin Milne helped the Royalists avoid relegation.

But he also unexpectedly stood down just weeks after the campaign ended.

Aitchison's first match in charge will be a friendly against Dalkeith Thistle on Saturday, July 15.