New Ormiston Primrose boss Guy Kerr aiming for promotion

Guy Kerr has succeeded long-standing boss Richie Weir – who has moved into the role of vice-chairman – as manager at the county side.

Relegation last term means that Kerr’s men will play the season in the bottom level of the East of Scotland Football League (EoSFL).

However, the experienced defender is looking upwards and for an immediate return to the Second Division as they begin a new era..

Guy Kerr is the new manager of Ormiston Primrose

He said: “We have probably underachieved the last few seasons.

“It is no loss to Richie but you see some of the results in the last couple of years where we have played Tranent and Penicuik Athletic.

“Even going to the last couple of games of last season, we beat Easthouses 7-0 at home.

“Consistency was key last year – some weeks we were absolutely brilliant and others we did not turn up.

“This year, we will be looking for consistency week in, week out.

“We have got an itinerary in place where Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays are football days.

“The boys will give me everything and we will run through a wall for each other.”

The club returned to training on Tuesday evening but summer signings have been kept close to their chest.

More than 25 players were expected to be there for training as the club looks to get off to a good start.

Ormiston Primrose (black and white) lost their final game of the season to Edinburgh United

Kerr, who lives in the village, also has four friendlies planned, with two more to be pencilled in.

He was keen to make New Recreation Park an attractive place for people to come and play their football.

The 36-year-old, who was assistant to Weir, vowed to bring professionalism to the club.

The former Musselburgh Athletic and Tranent defender includes Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Elgin City, East Fife and Berwick Rangers among his former sides.

He said: “I have played in a senior, professional environment and will drive to bring professionalism.

“I will bring that in spades and do things properly.

“We will set ourselves up like any other bigger club.

“We want to attract people to come and play.

“We have got a great park, well managed by the chairman, and we have got our own mower and get it cut at our leisure.”

Ormiston Primrose (black and white) lost their final game of the season to Edinburgh United

Meanwhile, Weir’s connection with the club will live on through his role as vice-chairman.

When the change in manager was announced, he told the club’s social media: “I’ve been around the club for as long as I can remember (since I was a kid) and have some great memories.

“After the season had finished, me and the club made the decision that it was time for the natural progression of the club and for me to move to the position of vice-chairman.

“It’s a fresh start in a new league and one that the club is looking forward to.

“I’m looking forward to helping the club move forward on and off the park with some exciting times ahead for the club.

“I’d also like to thank every player, past and present, for their efforts whilst I was manager.

“Lastly, I’d like to wish Guy the very best of luck in taking on the manager’s role. He is the perfect choice to continue to make the club move forward.”