Larne confirm new manager as Nathan Rooney replaces Tiernan Lynch at Inver Park

Nathan Rooney has vowed to continue Larne's hard-working ethos as he looks to deliver more success to Inver Park. Rooney was yesterday confirmed as the club's new manager, the Englishman replacing Tiernan Lynch who enjoyed unprecedented success during his seven-and-a-half years at the helm.

Lynch lifted Larne from the Championship to become back-to-back Irish Premiership champions and qualify for the league phase of the UEFA Conference League.

Rooney is no stranger to European success himself, having guided FCB Magpies to a famous win over Derry City in this season's Conference League.

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The 35-year-old quickly emerged as Larne's number one target, and now they've got their man.

“I’m delighted to join such a hardworking football club with such great history. This has been achieved with a collective effort and an inclusive working environment which I am looking forward to becoming a part of," Rooney told the club's website.

“The squad of players excite me a lot and I am eager to get to work on the training ground with all the experts within the backroom team and I am hoping that all the energy that we create allows us to implement, continue and enhance all the teams’ performances which wear the Larne badge.

“After seeing recent games and observing from afar you can see how hard the club works within the local community to provide a better experience for the fans and this relationship between club and fans is something which can continue to grow.

“I am really looking forward to meeting and seeing all the fans over the coming fixtures and your continued support is greatly appreciated as we enter a transitional period and a busy winter period.”

Meanwhile, Larne have also confirmed that interim manager Gary Haveron - who will be Rooney's assistant manager - will take charge of first-team affairs for Thursday's Conference League clash with Olimpija Ljubljana, with Rooney officially taking over reins on Friday morning, ahead of Sunday’s Premiership game at home to Cliftonville.

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Larne majority shareholder Kenny Bruce said: “We are delighted to have secured our number one target, with the arrival of Nathan Rooney. As a senior management team, we feel Nathan possesses all of the attributes we were looking for in the person who will take us forward. He is a manager who has shown that he has a clear style of play, his enthusiasm is infectious and we believe he is a brilliant leader.

“Nathan comes to us with 17 years of coaching and management experience under his belt and we are convinced that he is the person to lead us into the next stage of our journey. We believe that there is still so much more we can achieve as a club and we are so pleased that Nathan has bought into that vision and is hungry to push us on.”

Chairman Gareth Clements said: “We conducted comprehensive due diligence and Nathan emerged as the outstanding candidate, demonstrating a clear vision that aligns perfectly with our club’s values and long-term aspirations.

“His CV has a real blend of coaching and managerial experience from Academy to Senior level, this combined with an unwavering ambition to take our club forward, made this appointment a natural fit.

“Nathan shares our commitment to excellence both on and off the pitch and brings experience in developing players while building winning teams. His innovative approach and strategic mindset will be invaluable as we enter this exciting new chapter.

“We are confident that under his leadership, we will continue to grow, compete at the highest level, and deliver the success our loyal supporters deserve.”

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