Irish Premiership: Nathan Rooney departs as Larne Manager

Larne have parted company with Manager Nathan Rooney just one games into the new Sports DirectIrish Premiership season.

That came on the opening weekend, as the Inver Park side lost 1-0 away to Coleraine.

Rooney was initially brought to the club at the end of last yar to replace Tiernan Lynch, following the back-to-back league title winning manager's nove to Derry City.

However, it soon emerged Rooney didn't hold the requisite coaching licence to fulfill the role He took a back seat, while Gary Haveron stepped in. Rooney was then back on the sidelines having gained a place on the Irish Football Association's Pro Licence course.

Having got past Auda in the Conference League this Summer, Larne were knocked out of the competition last Thursday by Santa Clara. The scoreless draw in Portugal proved to be Englishman Rooney's final game in charge.

A statement on the club's website read: "Larne Football Club can confirm first team manager Nathan Rooney has left the club by mutual consent, with immediate effect.

"Following discussions between Nathan and the club, this is a decision taken in line with implementing our long-term football strategy and what we believe will gives us the best possible opportunity to succeed in the years to come, both on and off the pitch.

"We wish to extend our sincere thanks to Nathan for his hard work during his tenure at the club, which has included some historic moments for Larne FC and we wish him well for the future," the statement continued.

Gary Haveron will take interim charge of first team affairs, while what the club term 'an extensive process to appoint a long-term successor gets underway'.

Larne are back in Premiership action tomorrow night (Tuesday) as they play Cliftonville at Solitude.