TRANENT Juniors have confirmed a pair of co-managers, on a full-time basis.

Kenny Rafferty and Darren Smith had taken temporary charge of the Foresters Park club since the departure of Gary Small in late November.

The pair have guided Tranent Juniors, last season’s South Division champions, to a six-match unbeaten run since taking over.

The club confirmed their appointments as co-managers last Wednesday morning.

A statement said: “We are delighted to announce that both Kenny Rafferty and Darren Smith have agreed to become joint managers of Tranent Juniors Football Club.

“After careful consideration and several positive discussions between them and the committee, both Kenny and Daz [Smith] feel the opportunity to manage their hometown club was too big an opportunity to turn down.

“The club feel that the performance of the team over the past few months has been so impressive that it would be folly to look elsewhere.

“Kenny and Daz have played the game at the highest level and it’s clear to see that the players, committee and fans have the utmost respect for both of them.”

The pair have signed 18-month deals, and Rafferty said: “The players are the reason we are in this position, each and every one one of them have been fantastic and so professional since we stepped in.

“There is a lot still to play for this season and I can’t wait for next season already.

“ I’d like to thank the fans for really supporting me and Daz, the players and the club.

“Their support recently has been second to none, it really shows the potential we have.”

Meanwhile Smith, a former Musselburgh Athletic midfielder who joined his hometown club ahead of the 2015/16 season, has said he will also remain among the playing staff.

He said: “I want to continue playing; I had a few good offers to go back to the Superleague next year but the club have been great to me and I couldn’t refuse this opportunity.

“I echo what Raff has said, the players and the fans have all been brilliant.

“The committee have taken their time in appointing us, which has been the right thing for all parties.

“We are all buzzing and there is a real togetherness and steely determination from everyone to keep progressing.”

The club have also confirmed that captain Ecky Christie has signed a new deal at Foresters Park.

The ex-Musselburgh Athletic defender will remain with the East Premier League side until the end of the 2017/18 season.