RODNEY McAree is reported to be on his way back to Dungannon Swifts after he resigned from his role as Glentoran manager yesterday afternoon.
McAree had been a member of the coaching staff at the Oval since June 2021 and took over the hot seat in January this year following the departure of Mick McDermott. Handed an 18-month contract, he led the Glens to victory over Cliftonville in the Europa Conference League play-off final following a third-place finish in the Premiership.
In a statement released yesterday afternoon, the Tyrone man said he was leaving Glentoran to help with the running of Dungannon United Youth, a role his father Joe has had to step back from due to ill health.
"I have loved every moment of my time at Glentoran, first as coach then as manager, but family circumstances dictate that unfortunately I need to spend more time each day nearer home in Dungannon," McAree said.
"My dad Joe has been unwell recently and has needed to take a step back from his long-term role as head of Dungannon United Youth. He has built something very special there over the decades and I want to continue that on for him.”
However, with Dean Shiels leaving the Swifts managerial role on Saturday by “mutual consent” just days after guiding the club to top-flight safety, United Youth only seems to be part of the story for McAree.
The Dungannon native spent seven years as a player at Swifts before leading them to League Cup success as manager in 2018 and he would receive a warm welcome back at Stangmore Park.
