TWO former players are taking on the challenge of managing Ormiston FC this season.

The club moved quickly to replace former boss Brian Johnston, who moved to Haddington Athletic last week, with Richie Weir and John Morgan taking the reins.

The pair, both former favourites among the Recreation Park faithful, have agreed to take on coaching roles this season.

John Greenhorn, a committee member from the club, told Courier Sport: "We're not looking for anyone to replace Brian – Richie and John will do it.

"John was in the playing squad last season although he was injured for most of the year, but they're both ex-players."

He wished former boss Johnston well, but admitted the timing of his departure was "not ideal".

Greenhorn, a former chairman at the East of Scotland League club, added: "It really set us back in terms of preparation.

"Brian had identified a number of players, and it really has knocked us back a few weeks in that sense.

"That's how these things work, though, and as one door shuts, another one opens."

Ahead of the club's new campaign, Greenhorn was keen to see the Ormiston side "be competitive" in the league, but admitted life is tough in the East of Scotland League.

He added: "We're competing against clubs who've got a lot of money to spend, and we don't have any money.

"Our aim this season has to be just to compete."

Greenhorn confirmed the club's new pitch, adjacent to the current Recreation Park surface, has been laid and is complete, but admitted the next stage of the development is "at least a season away."

He said: "The pitch is down, it will take time to knit together but you could play on it if you had to [today[.

"The pavilion is no further forward, though, and the new pitch is miles away from the existing pavilion so I think we'll be on the old pitch for this season, at least."

Greenhorn, who has recently taken over as chairman of the East of Scotland Association and League, said officials at East Lothian Council are "working hard" to help with the new facilities.