Rowan Alexander has tonight completed a dramatic return to Raydale Park after he was announced as Gretna 2008’s new manager.

Alexander, who first took charge at Gretna in 2000, enjoyed great success with the club during a seven-year period, winning the Division Three and Two titles, as well as steering them to the Scottish Cup final in 2006 where they lost 4–2 on penalties against Hearts after a 1-1 draw.

But, as Gretna kicked off their debut Scottish Premiership season against Falkirk at Motherwell's Lanarkshire Stadium, Alexander was refused entry to Fir Park after reporting fit for work and he then was sacked in November of that year.

The 58-year-old replaces former Jamaica international midfielder Chris Humphrey at the club and has agreed to stay until the end of the season, alongside his assistant Kenny Walker.

“Rowan is Mr Gretna,” Gretna 2008 chairman Alex Thomson said.

“I’m really pleased and I'm pleased for Rowan, as well.

"I'm surprised that he has not had more opportunities with Scottish Football League clubs.

"We are not expecting Rowan to turn things around instantly, but [we] do hope he can help improve results."

During his playing career, Alexander enjoyed successful stints at Queen of the South, Brentford and Morton.

Gretna 2008 are 14th in the Scottish Lowland League table and visit Berwick Rangers this Saturday.

Alexander and Walker help to run "The Professionals Elite Academy Limited" football coaching company.