Hamilton chairman Alan Maitland admits he was inundated with applications to become Accies boss but Stuart Taylor was the outstanding candidate.
The 61-year-old revealed that he received 27 written applications while other candidates intimidated their interest after Brian Rice resigned.
Maitland was delighted that former Hamilton man Taylor wanted to return to the club and he admits his experience at the highest level in England stood out.
He said: “We had 27 written applications and we had lots of people who applied or made it known that they were keen if we were keen on them.
“I said last week that I needed to take some time, get through the weekend and take a deep breath to see where it takes us.
“I got lots of applications over that period. Stuart applied on Tuesday and it quickly became apparent that he was the outstanding candidate.
“His experience and time down south was above what we got from most other applications, I have to say.
“The big thing for me was the hunger that he’s got. He knows the football club and the fact that he wanted to join us was fantastic.
“We had two or three meetings and I phoned the guys at Ross County out of courtesy. They spoke really well and I’m delighted to be introducing Stuart."
At his unveiling at head coach, Maitland paid tribute to former boss Rice and he admits Taylor fits the philosophy of the club.
He added: “I’d like to start by expressing my gratitude to Brian Rice for his time at the football club.
“It was obviously a bit of a shock when he left last week but we’ve obviously taken the opportunity to bring our new man and head coach.
“We are delighted to have Stuart here. Former footballer at the club, former assistant manager and a young man desperate to do well and do well in his own right.
“He fits the model of our football club.”
Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.
