CRAIG Laird has ended his spell as the Terras’ assistant-manager after agreeing a deal to become the manager of Southern League South & West outfit Yate Town.

As reported by Echosport last week, the former Weston-super-Mare and Bridgwater Town boss was a target for the Bluebells, who announced today that they had landed their man.

Yate director of football Nigel Hawkins told the club’s website: “I’m delighted that we have finally secured Craig and believe that he is absolutely the right person for the role at Yate Town.”

The former member of player-manager Jason Matthews’ backroom staff, who arrived at the Bob Lucas Stadium last summer, will take charge of Yate for the first time at Bishops Cleeve on Saturday.

And although he was disappointed by his assistant’s departure, Matthews revealed he already has an unnamed short-term replacement to come in.

He told Echosport: “Craig was a big part of my management team but we have to move on. One door closes and another one opens and somebody will be in place for Monday, and it’s somebody I know well.

“Chris McPhee will also step up to help me in the short term but when we are both playing when I’m back fit we need someone with experience on the sidelines, and I feel this person will fit the bill perfectly in the short term.”

Commenting further on Laird’s departure, Matthews also claimed that Yate were not the first club to come knocking for his former number two.

“Craig has turned down two or three posts since we employed him," he added. "He leaves with a heavy heart but it’s something that happens in football.

“It’s disappointing at a crucial time of the season but Craig got offered what was an extremely good deal at Yate that he felt was impossible to turn down.

“Craig has taught me a lot of things and it has been a steep learning curve for me at what is a big club with high expectations.”