Soccer

McAree appointed Coleraine manager

BANN VOYAGE....Rodney McAree is moving from Dungannon Swifts to Coleraine Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press
BANN VOYAGE....Rodney McAree is moving from Dungannon Swifts to Coleraine Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press BANN VOYAGE....Rodney McAree is moving from Dungannon Swifts to Coleraine Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

RODNEY McAree has been confirmed as Oran Kearney’s replacement as manager of Coleraine.

McAree, who will now leave his role as Dungannon Swifts manager, will not be involved in today’s Danske Bank Premiership match against Ards with a home match against league leaders Linfield next Saturday set to be his first game in charge.

The Swifts have only amassed two points from a possible 15 in the league this season, but McAree’s stock remained high after guiding the Tyrone club to their first ever senior cup last season as they defeated Ballymena United 3-1 in the League Cup final.

The 44-year-old former Fulham midfielder has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Bannsiders and despite speculation linking Kenny Shiels to the role, Coleraine chairman Colin McKendry said that they had always wanted McAree.

“He was our first choice and we see him as the perfect fit for our club. He is a winner, as he has shown throughout his footballing career as a player and latterly at Dungannon Swifts as a manager,” he told the Coleraine website.

Dungannon, meanwhile, have thanked McAree for his services and are beginning their hunt for his replacement. Applications will close next Friday.