It's 'business as usual' for Larne as hunt for new boss intensifies with one candidate out in front

Larne head to Ballymena United this afternoon hoping to get back to winning ways as their search for a new boss looks to be gaining momentum.

Gary Haveron will take charge of the Invermen as they head over Shane's Hill to take on the Sky Blues, but it seems the club are stepping up their efforts to recruit Tiernan Lynch's replacement.

Nathan Rooney, current boss of FC Bruno's Magpies from Gibraltar, is said to be the favourite for the vacant position. Rooney's stock has been on the rise since taking over at the once pub team just over two years ago.

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He has led them to victories in the Rock Cup and Pepe Reyes Cup and took them to their best ever league finish in 2023 when they finished third in the Gibraltar Football League. The biggest result of his tenure came this summer as Rooney led the Magpies to victory over two legs against Derry City in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Conference League.

The 35-year-old is said to be Larne's number one target for the vacant managerial position. With the Invermen set to play Olimpija in their next Conference League group fixture next Thursday they could look to complete a deal as quickly as possible.

Before that there's the small matter of the trip to Ballymena Showgrounds. Haveron said it was "an honour" to be asked to step in and insisted it is "business as normal".

"Yeah it is business as normal, football clubs move on, that's the nature of the beast," said Haveron. "Players come and go as do managers, but the club keeps moving on.

"Moving forward everything starts in earnest again now. We have a really tough game away to Ballymena, a derby game. The club has asked me to step in in the interim and manage things over the next few days.

"It's a big privilege and an honour, the club is in a hell of a different place from when the two lads first came in. It's a great reflection on the work they've done to see where the club is at now."

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