FORMER Dundee and Alloa Athletic boss Barry Smith has been appointed as the new manager of Vanarama Conference club Aldershot Town.
Smith, 41, left Scottish Championship bottom club Alloa in March and has been handed his first job south of the border with the Shots.
Chris Barker, who has been in caretaker charge since Andy Scott was sacked in January, will remain at the club as Smith's assistant.
Smith said: “Coming to Aldershot is a challenge and one I'm looking forward to. Having spoke to the board, their aspiration are similar to mine.
“I want to be successful and that comes in different forms. Whether it is bringing young players through, getting a bigger fan base or playing entertaining football. Next season a great season would be reaching the play-offs.
“I've worked in youth development for a few years and it's something I'm comfortable with. We need to get young talent in but we also need experience to guide them.
“The last few seasons haven't been great but I'm here to bring positivity to the club. I've had success at the two clubs I've been at and I'm aiming to bring it to Aldershot.”
Shots chairman Shahid Azeem added: “Barry is ambitious and shares our desire to see entertaining football back at The ESS Stadium, and he has great experience of developing younger players.
“I know supporters will join us in welcoming him to The Shots and we really look forward to working with him. I can't wait for next season.”
