MICHAEL TIDSER has said he's looking forward to getting his teeth into management after being official unveiled as Kelty Hearts boss.

The New Central Park captain, 33, has been handed the job as successor to John Potter, who has joined Raith Rovers as their technical director.

Last month, Kelty announced that Potter, together with general manager and managing director, Dean McKenzie, and sporting director, Andrew Barrowman, would be leaving at the conclusion of their League One campaign.

McKenzie and Barrowman are part of a six-strong consortium that have acquired a controlling stake in Raith, with Potter following them to the Kirkcaldy club.

READ MORE: Outgoing Kelty manager's Raith move confirmed

Whilst announcing their departures, Kelty also confirmed that Stefan Winiarski and Craig Reynolds, who had been working with the Kelty Hearts Community Club, would be stepping into the roles vacated by McKenzie and Barrowman, with Tidser taking on the management role.

The former Greenock Morton and Falkirk midfielder, who has said he intends to continue playing, moved to New Central Park in February 2020.

He ensured his place in Kelty folklore the following year when he scored the winning goal in the second leg of their pyramid play-off final win over Brechin City, sealing their promotion to the SPFL, and then went on to skipper the side to the League Two title.

Speaking to Kelty Hearts TV, Tidser said: "I'm really pleased.

"Obviously, it's been a whirlwind couple of weeks, but I'm just thankful that I've been offered the opportunity.

"It's something for me to get my teeth into, and really push forward.

"I'd spoken to them (the club) just at the tail end of the season. Obviously, a few of the guys went to Raith Rovers.

"I didn't know when the opportunity would come, it's not something I've really thought about, so when I got the phone call and offered the job I thought about it, being my age and still playing.

"It was an opportunity that I thought suits me and I love football. It's an opportunity to stay and hopefully stamp my authority on the squad."

Tidser revealed that he, Winiarski and Reynolds have already been discussing recruitment, noting: "They've been great. They've been really good.

"I've known them for a few years now. Stef was part of the staff when I first came here under Barry (Ferguson), and, obviously, I've got to know Craig through time here.

"Two good guys, two good Kelty men. The club means a lot to them.

"We've been on the phone constantly, in terms of recruitment, in terms of bits and bobs around the club, and we get on well, so long may that continue."