GALA Fairydean have been rocked with the sudden departure of utility player Paul Young.

The Galashiels joiner has accepted an invitation to become player/manager of Border Amateur side, Stow.

Young, who took interim charge of the Fairydean earlier this season after Fraser Lothian's departure, is regarded as one of the club's best players.

And current manager Garry Fraser admits he did make every effort to convince his mate to stay. Garry told us: "I tried to get him to stay but he had made up his mind.

"I don't think Paul wanted away from Gala Fairydean it's just that he was asked by Stow and he fancied taking the team. He has plenty of time in the future to coach and manage, and I just hope he doesn't regret this decision."

Stow's former manager Andy Thompson stood down before Christmas after six-and-a-half seasons in charge.

Young spent several seasons at Stow before signing for Kelso United in 2009.

But its his time at Netherdale under both Fraser Lothian and Garry Fraser where he has made his name as one of the region's best midfielders.

Stow chairman Tucker McCall said: "We are pleased that Paul Young has accepted the position of manager with the club. We contacted both the Fairydean for permission to speak to Youngy after Andy Thompson stepped down due to work commitments.

"Youngy has made no secret of the fact that he wanted to get into the coaching side of the game. He knows the majority of the players, committee and he knows how we like to run the club.

"Stow has a history of former players managing the club and I hope that is because they appreciated their time here as a player and want to put something back into the club.

"We hope that Youngy will provide a spark to our season, bringing in new ideas, training routines and if he thinks it necessary, new faces into the squad."

Gala Fairydean are currently in talks with four or five players regarding a move to Netherdale.

And Fraser is confident no more of his squad will be following Young out of the door. The manager added: "Most of our squad are signed up to Christmas which allows us to build the squad without fear of losing anyone in the summer. Paul will be a miss but we should have some new faces come in soon."