Former Rangers striker Nacho Novo is set to be confirmed as the new manager of West of Scotland First Division side Darvel, with the club teasing an announcement scheduled for 12:30pm today.
Novo is expected to leave his current coaching role at Drumchapel United, who compete in the West of Scotland Premier Division, to take charge at Recreation Park.
The 46-year-old has been part of the Drumchapel backroom staff since June 2024, working under co-managers Adam Hopes and John Black, but looks set to step into the No.1 role himself for the first time since a brief spell as boss of American side Lexington SC in 2023, after coaching their U23’s for a year prior.
Darvel have been seeking a new manager following recent changes behind the scenes and believe Novo’s profile, experience and stature within Scottish football can help galvanise the club.
The Ayrshire side were once viewed as one of the best, and most ambitious in the non-league setup but after both Mick Kennedy and John Gall pulled funding and left the club they have dropped from the top of the Premier Division to the bottom of the First, and will now hope Novo can save them from relegation to tier eight.
Novo, of course, remains a hugely popular figure among Rangers supporters. The Spanish forward scored 73 goals in 255 games during six seasons at Ibrox, winning three league titles, the Scottish Cup twice, including a winning goal in the 2009 final, and the League Cup three times. He also played a key role in the club’s unforgettable run to the 2008 UEFA Cup Final.
Since retiring in 2016, Novo has stayed involved in football through coaching, youth development and ambassadorial work, while also remaining a regular presence at Rangers-related community events and media appearances.
Darvel’s social media channels heightened speculation last night when they confirmed a major announcement was coming, accompanied by the caption: “DARVEL BRACE YOURSELF!! New manager to be announced tomorrow 12:30.”
📢DARVEL BRACE YOURSELF!!📢
— Darvel FC (@darvelfc) November 8, 2025
NNew manager to be announced tomorrow 12:30
Novo was quickly identified as the leading candidate.
If confirmed, the move will be one of the most high-profile managerial appointments in the West of Scotland leagues in recent seasons, and will put Darvel back in the spotlight that they first entered with their victory over Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup.
Novo will inherit a squad struggling in the league, with just nine points from ten games they sit third from bottom, but still with hope, the belief will be that Novo’s personality and winners mentality will be enough to drive the Vale up the table.
More on this story will follow once the appointment is officially confirmed.