McDonnell returns to Irish League as Glenavon boss

Former Warrenpoint Town boss Stephen McDonnell has been appointed as the new boss of Glenavon.

The Mourneview Park side had been on the lookout for a replacement for Gary Hamilton, after the former manager left his role following 12 years at the club.

McDonnell, 31, who managed Warrenpoint in the top flight at just 25 years of age, takes over the Lurgan side who have won just twoleague games from nine so far this season and begins his time at the helm with a home clash against champions Larne on Saturday.

The former player, who has enjoyed coaching spells at both Dundalk and Shelbourne in the League of Ireland is believed to have beaten stiff competition for the role.

“We had a high degree of contact concerning the managerial vacancy from within Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, England, Portugal and Spain” said Glenavon chairman Adrian Teer on the club's website.

"I would take this opportunity to sincerely thank all those who expressed interest in the post and those to whom we spoke.

He added: "Stephen comes as a young tracksuit manager whose training and coaching skills are widely recognised and who has an in-depth knowledge of football at senior and junior levels on both sides of the border. We are delighted to bring him to Glenavon.”

McDonnell has brought former Glenavon defender Simon Kelly, with him as his assistant.