THE chairman of Kelty Hearts believes that new boss Barry Ferguson will be a hit as he “wants to make people better”.

Ian Thomson said that the club were “chuffed to bits” that their bid to land the former Rangers and Scotland captain as Thomas Courts’ replacement paid off when he was confirmed in the role officially last Thursday.

As reported by Press Sport, 40-year-old Ferguson had met Kelty officials for talks over replacing Courts, who resigned seven days previously, and accepted their offer of a two-year contract.

Coaches Murray McDowell and Dave McNeely, who will stay on at New Central Park, took the team for Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie at Peterhead before Ferguson and assistant Bob Malcolm took charge officially on Tuesday.

Thomson admitted that Kelty were anticipating a bumper turnout for this Saturday’s home clash with Gala Fairydean and believes the move is a “perfect fit” for both parties.

“It all fell into place and we’re absolutely chuffed to bits,” he commented.

“Barry met the players in the first team and the under-20s on Thursday night to have a chat. He explained his football ethos and everyone loved it.

“He started on Tuesday night and he was buzzing. We had a really good turnout and, although we had a few injuries from Saturday and a couple of long-term ones like Brian Ritchie and Ross Philp, he has spoken to these guys.

“He seems to be a good communicator and the players are loving it. He’s a football man; he wants to get on the training pitch and coach.

“We’ve got around 100 kids from the age of five up to 17 training and Barry’s absorbed in it. He wants to make people better and, from what I’ve seen in him so far, he’s got so much to give.

“We’re very happy he’s come and we want to improve on what has already been a fantastic journey.”

Thomson, who revealed that the club’s hospitality packages until the end of the season have sold out since Ferguson’s arrival was confirmed, added: “We’ve got a great thing going here, with a family atmosphere, and Barry has bought into it.

“I think we’re a good fit for him too as he’s coming into a club that’s on a high. It’s great for us, great for the village and Fife, and great for the Lowland League.

“It can only add to the stature of the league.”