Neil Watt led Stranraer to Division One

Watt takes over after last week's sacking of Robert Connor by the Second Division club.

The new manager will be joined at Somerset Park by Stuart Millar, who was his assistant at Stranraer.

Watt said: "My job is to strive to take the club back to the First Division as soon as possible."

"I can assure all Ayr United supporters that we will be fully committed to the challenge ahead."

Watt and Millar led Stranraer from the Third Division to the First but announced his departure in April before their relegation back to the Second.

Watt continued: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to recommence my involvement in football at a club of Ayr United's standing.

"This is a club with real potential and with the backdrop of the ambitious stadium development project, is certainly, for me, an appealing place to be associated with."