WATCH: 'I'm coming to a club capable of winning every game' McAree on his decision to join Coleraine
New Bannsiders' boss speaks exclusively to Cool FM ahead of first Danske Bank Premiership game in charge
Last updated 20th Sep 2018
Rodney McAree has opened up about the emotional wrench of leaving his beloved home club for a full-time post with Coleraine.
He was speaking on our latest BetMcLean football show in partnership with NIFL, available to view shortly on Cool FM’s Facebook page.
The 44-year-old departed Dungannon Swifts just last week for the full-time manager’s job at Coleraine.
McAree said it was a difficult decision to move away but he had to do what was right for him at this stage of his career.
“Everybody’s been very supportive but obviously there are a lot of disappointed people at Dungannon Swifts,” he said.
“I felt for the chairman because I had to speak to him first and I’m good friends with him so it was very difficult to tell him but ultimately I had to make a decision for Rodney McAree.”
McAree believes moving into his first full-time managerial post with Coleraine was the right move.
“I think it was just the challenge that presented itself, the way the club is going, the structures that are in place,” he said.
“Coleraine is now in a very, very encouraging position and their facilities are second to none, also in terms of training, match day and how they go about their business.”
McAree, who began his playing career at Liverpool before joining Bristol City and then Fulham, says Coleraine matched his winning mindset – and he believes the Bannsiders have a great chance of winning the Danske Bank Premiership title this season.
“It’s something that I will relish. I counted myself as a winner when I was a player and I’m coming from a club which didn’t expect to win every game,” he said.
“I know I’m not going to win every game at Coleraine, but I’m coming to a club and a squad that is capable of winning every game. It’s a squad that will compete with the best teams in the league and it’s just too good an opportunity to pass up.”
McAree acknowledges Oran Kearney who left the Showgrounds for Scottish Premiership side, St Mirren, will be a hard act to follow.
“They are big shoes to fill,” he said. “He did an extraordinary job and there’s a part of me that had to thank him because if it weren’t for him doing so well then for me, this opportunity would have never presented itself.“
Joining McAree on this week’s show is Crusaders keeper Sean O’Neill.