GALA Fairydean Rovers first team player Tommy Patterson has been appointed as the club’s new Disability Squad manager.

The teenager has recently signed for the Netherdale club following a spell at Vale of Leithen.

Tommy has previously been on the books at the Fairydean Rovers as a junior, youth and amateur player - and made history as the youngest ever player for Gala Fairydean senior team when he was just 14.

Current Disability head coach Callum Malone is taking a step back from his duties following the birth of his baby daughter but will continue to help with training and the running of the team.

Callum told us: "I’m grateful to Tommy for agreeing to come in and take over, he’s got the ability to help improve the lads as footballers but also the right personality for the job and we all look forward to him getting started with the team."

The club is to support Tommy through all the necessary coaching and training he will need for the role.

Tommy’s appointment was announced at the squad’s presentation day on Saturday.

And he already has plenty knowledge of the squad as his father, Terry, has also held the manager's position.

Each member of the team received recognition for their efforts over the past 12 months and the squad played a demonstration game in front of the crowd at Netherdale during the half-time interval in the Gala Fairydean Rovers against Cumbernauld Colts on Saturday.

The GFR Disability Squad are part of the Netherdale’s club award winning community engagement programme that sees 18 teams and over 300 signed players take part in football in the town.

The squad train on Friday nights in the Queen Centre Galashiels.