WATCH: 'He was doing club a favour ...I'm sure that was last thing he needed' - Glens boss on fan abuse directed towards Ronnie McFall
Gary Smyth is guest on latest BetMcLean Football Show
Last updated 16th Jan 2019
Glentoran’s new manager, Gary Smyth, said his predecessor Ronnie McFall’s treatment by the fans was harsh and unnecessary.
Smyth took charge of the club after McFall resigned at the start of the month.
Now, in an exclusive interview with Downtown & Cool FM he said Ronnie was a big help to the club during a difficult spell.
Recalling the day he resigned, Smyth said: “Without passing the buck, it was Ronnie who got the brunt of it – maybe for individual errors.
“The manager is where the buck stops.
“He had taken a lot of abuse going off that day
“We know he was in doing the club a favour – and I am sure that is the last thing he needed.”
Smyth is a guest on our latest BetMclean Football Show – now available to view on Cool FM’s Facebook page (see link below) – and to download as a podcast
He reveals that McFall’s trusted assistant Kieran Harding, who worked with McFall previously at Portadown, will remain at the club.
“Kieran is staying and I am delighted,” he said
“He is a top coach - - for the last week or so He has been really enjoying it – I am not saying he didn’t enjoy under Ronnie.
“He has been with Ronnie 20 plus years – maybe something different for Kieran now but he’s come in and he’s going to be a big help to us.
“Kieran is a top coach.”
Also guesting this week is Linfield’s general manager, Pat Fenlon.