McAree leaves Glentoran FC

Rodney McAree has announced his resignation as Team Manager at Glentoran FC.

In a statement posted by the club he said he had “loved every moment” of his time at the club.

Rodney who first started out as a coach and then moved into management said the decision to step down was due to family circumstances where he needed to spend more time close to home in Dungannon.

Rodney spoke to glentoran.com and said: “My Dad Joe has been unwell recently and has needed to take a step back from his long-term role as head of Dungannon United Youth. He has built something very special there over the decades and I want to continue that on for him. This has been in my head for the past couple of months and while I know the timing is poor and it’s been a very difficult decision, I feel it’s something I’ve had to do to protect the family legacy and support my father.”

Mr McAree passed on his “massive thanks to Mick and Paul for bringing me to Glentoran and giving me the opportunity to work at such a great club, first as coach then as manager.”

He added: “They deserve a lot of credit for their work in terms of revitalising a great club and making it competitive again. I’ve loved working with the players. They’ve been exceptional and they have responded magnificently to me since I’ve been in charge over the past few months. I’ll sadly miss them.

“Finally all the very best to the Glens support. The away days in particular have been fantastic and they’ve given me and the players great support. There are great people all around Glentoran and I wish them and the club all the very best in Europe and for the future.”

Glentoran Chairman, Ian Kerr, said Rodney leaves the club on a high after securing a European qualification and that he and the team are very sorry to see him go.

Mr Kerr said he understands family comes first and that Rodney has put his family’s needs to the fore in making this decision.

The Chairman added: “Everyone at the club thanks Rodney for his contribution over the past two seasons and we wish him all the very best for his future career in football in Dungannon.”

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