Posted online: Jul 1st, 2009

Moville Celtic are actively recruiting a new manager following popular first team boss John Canning’s decision to step down.

The former Carrowmena supremo will remain at the club as Under 18’s coach, after three successful seasons in charge of the first team which saw them lift the League Cup and Ulster Junior Cup.

The outgoing manager spoke to the Inish Times about the reasoning behind his decision to quit.

“I’ve been involved in senior football for the last nine years between playing and then managing Carrowmena and my three seasons with Moville so I feel its time for a break.” he said.

“Any manager in the Inishowen League will tell you that it’s like a full time job and it’s a tight balancing act when you are working full time as well. I have a young family and I’m looking forward to spending more time with them rather than working seven days a week.”

Canning will still be involved with the club at underage level and he rubbished suggestions that he was considering taking over at neighbouring club Greencastle FC.

“I think it’s important to stress that I’ll still be involved at the club, I’m on the committee and I will still be taking the Under 18s and I won’t be moving to any other club. I’m very proud of my achievements at the club, last year we won the League Cup for the first time in ten years and we won our first ever Ulster Junior Cup this year so its nice to be able to leave on a high and be remembered for the good days.

“I’ll definitely miss being involved, there’s no better feeling than watching the team when they are playing well but I won’t miss some of the days when things weren’t going our way. The club is in good health at the moment, our reserve team swept the boards last year and we have a talented first team squad so the future is bright and the new manager will have my full support.”

Club chairman John Coyle praised Canning’s successful period in charge.

“John was a popular figure at the club and was well respected in football circles and we’re glad he will still be involved with the club.” he said.

“Things were at a bit of a standstill before John took over as we were sitting in midtable and weren’t really pushing for any silverware. John brought in some new players like Gerry Gill from Finn Harps and Mally McDermott from Derry City as well as bringing back some former players who were playing for other clubs  such as Nigel McMonigle.”

The process to find a new boss has already begun with the club inviting interested parties to make contact. Coyle has high hopes for the future and they are seeking a manager who shares their lofty ambitions.

“We’re a big club and we believe we have the resources and potential to be competing with the likes of Clonmany and Redcastle at the top of the table. We were a bit dissappointed with our performance in the League this year but we proved in the Ulster Junior Cup Final that we are a match for anyone when we are on form.

“We’re looking for a candidate with a strong interest in the game who can take us forward. There are no stipulations about coaching licences, we just want a candidate with the necessary drive to take the club forward and he will have the full backing of the committee.” He concluded.

Anyone interested in applying for the vacant first team manager’s position should contact club secretary Lawrence Harkin by Monday the 6th July on 0863253250.