Former Kilbirnie boss Stephen Swift has said he is delighted to be back in football after joining the Thistle coaching staff this week.

Stephen, 36, left Ladeside earlier this season after guiding Thistle's derby rivals to the Ardagh Cup trophy - their first cup win in six years.

Speaking to the 'News', Stephen said: "I had obviously finished with Kilbirnie, and am good friends with (Largs manager) Stuart Davidson, and he said to me 'Would you be interested in helping out at Largs?'

"I wanted a bit of time away from it, but he came back to me last week and asked me again. I am doing my UEFA B coaching licence this year, and it made my sense to keep my hand in coaching, so it is the best for both parties as I can help in the coaching and tactical side at Thistle.

"I had five great years at Kilbirnie Ladeside. From where I started, it was in a very poor state, and I left the club miles better off, and was able to walk away with my head held high. Every manager has as shelf life, and it was my time to go and take on a new challenge, so I have come to Barrfields to come in and help out, but I would ideally still like to be a manager in future."