Gretna hold on to Irons

Alexander signed a five-year deal at Gretna only last year and had hoped the position would be awaiting him following his return from illness. But after leading the club to promotion last season, the Gretna board decided Irons was the man to continue the club's dramatic ascent.

"Davie will be my head coach with my support as director of football and the support of coaches Derek Collins and Andy Smith," director of football Mick Wadsworth told the Scottish Sun.

"It will be a democratic team with shared responsibility and views but Davie will be heading it.

"[Owner] Brooks Mileson and I believe he will be an outstanding head coach.

"Davie is a big favourite with the players. He has their trust and respect, which is vital."

Gretna, who will play at Motherwell's Fir Park next season, have risen from non-league to Premier League in just five years and Irons was instrumental in their final triumph as the club earned promotion to the top flight with a final-day win against Ross County in April.