WATCH: "Was I a failure? I'm not so sure" - McAree reflects on time with Coleraine
Last updated 29th Jul 2019
It's been almost three months since Rodney McAree left Coleraine, with the two parties agreeing to call time on his tenure after missing out on European football.
A 6th place finish in the Danske Bank Premiership saw them eventually lose in controversial circumstances in the Europa League play-off semi-final.
Having allowed the dust to settle, McAree has begun openly reflecting on his time with the Bannsiders. His move north was one that ended his long association with his hometown club.
"Leaving Dungannon Swifts to manage another Irish League club was a challenge but it was one I was willing to take on. Coleraine was one of the few clubs I would have jumped at the opportunity to manage," said McAree.
The departure of Coleraine hero Oran Kearney paved the way for McAree. However, the success of Kearney meant McAree joined a club with extremely high expectations. They had won the Irish Cup and finished 2nd in the Premiership, and the board wanted this upward trend to continue.
"There were a lot of positives, and the season could have played out very differently. There was a harsh penalty in the Europa League playoff semi-final defeat to Cliftonville. There was another in the Irish Cup semi-final and the season hinged on those. But if you don't get the results that other people want and expect then you run the risk of losing your job," said McAree.
"I did my best with my time there. It's a fantastic club with great people and great supporters and I wanted to make it a success. Leaving was totally unexpected, it was a surprise. I added new players and I was actively monitoring other players to bring in during the summer. But obviously results hadn't been good enough for Coleraine, then you sense maybe there are rumours going about."
Under McAree, Coleraine showed glimpses of class, operating with the free-flowing style he had been expected to employ. However, they were inconsistent, and McAree was not to be afforded another season at the helm.
"I do accept that league form wasn't as good as it should have been, but I was in a period of transition, so was the club, so were the players. It was always going to take a little bit of time, but I have no regrets."
"It's made me appreciate that I've probably made mistakes. Even if you value the new position you're moving into, you have to study every little corner of it, and know what you're stepping into," said McAree.
McAree is now coaching with Dungannon United Youth, but has hinted at making a return to the top flight.
"I've met some good people and worked alongside some great players. It hasn't put me off getting out there and challenging myself again."