“What became clear through the interview process was Gary’s enthusiasm to be involved with Ayr United and the skillset he has to take our club forward.”

Ayr were seeking a new manager after former Scotland midfielder Scott Brown exited in March when his side slipped out of the promotion race after a nine-game run without a victory and eventually finished seventh.

Former Heart of Midlothian, Everton, Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town defender Naysmith began his managerial career with East Fife before spells with Queen of the South and Edinburgh City, taking over at Stenhousemuir in 2023 and leading them to their first-ever league title to win promotion to League 1. He has followed that with back-to-back promotion play-off campaigns.

Stenhousemuir were in the running for the title and automatic promotion this season right up until the final day and he was nominated this year for the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year award.

Chairman Dan Wharton told Stenhousemuir’s website: “He came in, transformed what was possible here, achieved promotion success and leaves the club in its highest-ever league position.”

Should Stenhousemuir beat Naysmith’s former club, Queens, on Saturday, they will face either Airdrieonians or Alloa Athletic, who lead their semi-final 1-0, in the play-off final.