McFall quits as Glens boss Smyth and Leeman take over ahead of cup clash

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Ronnie McFall. Pic: Glentoran FC.

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Ronnie McFall has resigned as Glentoran manager.

It follows the worst run in the club's history with the east Belfast team failing to win any of their last 10 league matches.

They are currently sitting fourth from bottom of the Danske Bank Premiership, five points off a relegation play-off place. 

Ex-player Gary Smyth is the new boss, assisted by another legendary former Glens defender, Paul Leeman.

They had been part of McFall's management team and were earmarked to take over from him in the future.

Their first game in charge will be Saturday's Tennent's Irish Cup tie against Crusaders at Seaview. They are both former Crues players.

Glentoran FC statement:

Ronnie McFall has stepped down as manager of Glentoran with immediate effect.

Gary Smyth will take responsibility for first team matters as outlined in our long term strategy. Gary will be assisted by Paul Leeman.

The Board of Directors would like to thank Ronnie for his hard work and complete commitment over the past 11 months and to wish he and his wife Anne all the very best for the future. Ronnie – as both player and manager – has played a very important role in the history of Glentoran Football Club. He and Anne will always be very welcome at the Oval.

Meanwhile, Smyth wasted no time in making his first signing - bringing in Polish forward Lukasz Gwiazda from his old club Harland and Wolff Welders.

The 24-year-old goes straight into the squad for Seaview, along with another recently-signed striker, Darren Murray.

The Crues remain hot favourites, but defender Sean Ward is wary of his former team...

 

New Glens boss Gary Smyth and assistant Paul Leeman. Pic: GFC.

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Coleraine have put winger Darren McCauley on the transfer list following reports he was considering a move to Derry City. 

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Tennent's Irish Cup fifth round - 

Larne v Newry City

Crusaders v Glentoran

Knockbreda v Strabane Athletic

Cliftonville v Dungannon Swifts

Loughgall v Crumlin Star

Dundela v Ballymena United

Coleraine v H&W Welders

Dergview v Maiden City

Portadown v Abbey Villa

Queen's University v Lisburn Distillery

Ards v Carrick Rangers

Limavady United v Larne Tech OB

Glenavon v Rosemount Rec

Institute v Warrenpoint Town

Linfield v Ballyclare Comrades 

Ballinamallard United v PSNI

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