Makel appointed Ostersund coach

By Brian McLauchlin

Makel had joined East Fife in February after leaving Sweden

Former Hearts midfielder Lee Makel has taken over as player-coach of Swedish Second Division club Ostersund after he rejected a new contract with East Fife.

He had joined the Fifers in February after his six-month playing contract with Ostersund came to an end.

The 36-year-old Englishman told BBC Scotland: "It is a great opportunity for me to gain experience as a coach.

"The club have struggled a bit this season and I am extremely grateful to the board for showing the faith in me."

Ostersund are currently second bottom of the table with only seven points from their opening 12 league games.

Makel's first signing will be former Celtic Under-19 midfielder Michael Tidser, who will join up with the team later this week.

The new player-boss began his career with Newcastle and also had spells with Blackburn, Huddersfield, Hearts, Bradford, Plymouth, Dunfermline and Livingston.

He gained some coaching experience while making 28 appearances for Ostersund before returning to Scotland with East Fife.

Makel made eight appearances as he helped the Fifers retain their place in Division Two but rejected their offer of a new 12-month contract.

The Scottish club's website recognised that it was the lure of furthering his coaching career that proved too great an attraction.