FORMER Hearts, Livingston and Leicester City midfielder Joe Hamill “cannot wait” to get started, after succeeding David McGlynn as Haddington Athletic manager.

Hamill’s appointment came after the club received the resignation of David McGlynn, just 82 days after he agreed to take on the job.

Hamill (pictured below), 33, was brought to Millfield by McGlynn – his former boss at Linlithgow Rose – on a short-term basis last season.

Last Thursday the East Premier League club issued a statement confirming that McGlynn, who was also boss at Musselburgh Athletic for almost a decade until leaving for Bonnyrigg Rose in 2014, had left the club.

A club spokesman said: “The committee were deeply disappointed by the resignation on July 19 of manager David McGlynn, less than 12 weeks after his appointment.

“David’s proven track record in junior football management, and the team’s performance under his direction from February onwards, had raised hopes the team would enjoy a successful 2017/18 campaign under his leadership; however, there have evidently been underlying issues in recent weeks prompting David’s decision, which was accepted reluctantly.

“We thank David for his important contribution last season and wish him well in future.”

Hamill told Courier Sport: “It all came about really quickly but I am really looking forward to it.

“I’ve not really had a chance to speak to Davie since this all happened but I’ve spoken to the boys and I am looking forward to getting started.”

On moving into management, Hamill added: “It’s been something I’ve been looking to do for a while.

“I’ve not had too much of a chance to think about targets or anything.”

Craig Yule, 37, steps in as assistant, having been a coach last season.

The club spokesman added: “We are delighted to have appointed Joe Hamill as David’s replacement and look forward now, after the managerial changes over the past year or so, to a period of stability under Joe’s management.

“At 33, Joe is keen to put to good use in management the experience he’s gained over a long career in professional football, and he’ll be ably assisted by Craig Yule, who was an important member of last season’s management team and will continue to provide valuable input.”

And Hamill was looking forward to Saturday’s pre-season meeting with Irvine Meadow – one of the biggest names in the junior game.

He said: “It will be tough for us but we want to start [the league] strongly so these games will make sure we are up to speed.”