Former Kilmarnock manager and SFA chief Jim Fleeting has agreed to take on a coaching role at Ayrshire non-league outfit Kilwinning Rangers.
The 66-year-old - father-in-law of Kilwinning manager Chris Strain - is set to fill the training ground void left by Gavin Friels who quit as No2 last Thursday to take the hotseat at Ardrossan Winton Rovers.
It will be Fleeting's first foray back into football since retiring as SFA Director of Coaching in 2018.
And delighted boss Strain insisted it's a real coup for the Buffs as he admitted the news has raised eyebrows even among family members.
"Jim's been a loss to the game since he retired," said Strain.
"He has an encyclopedic knowledge of football and I actually find it incredible he hasn't been back involved before now.
"I spoke to him over Christmas about coming aboard in a coaching capacity and was delighted when he said yes.
"It raised a few eyebrows over the Christmas dinner table!
"We're two different types of characters but we get on really well and I would have been foolish not to ask him.
"I don't know how long he will put up with me right enough!
"Seriously though, he has operated at the very top level of the game and having that wealth of experiences on the training ground can only be a positive.
"He is meticulous when it comes to preparation and I'm sure he will help open a few eyes when it comes to technical aspects of the game."
Strain says Kilwinning will revisit filling the vacant assistant manager's role in the summer.
"We might look to bring in a senior player from the pro ranks, but it's something we will reassess at the time," he added.
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