EXCLUSIVE: Haveron steps down and Taggart is appointed as new Carrick Rangers boss

Gary Haveron will step down as manager of Carrick Rangers tomorrow (March 31) with club stalwart Glenn Taggart taking charge of the promotion-chasing Championship 1 club.
Gary Haveron and Glenn Taggart. INLT 14-945-CON Photo: PresseyeGary Haveron and Glenn Taggart. INLT 14-945-CON Photo: Presseye
Gary Haveron and Glenn Taggart. INLT 14-945-CON Photo: Presseye

Haveron has made the move because he doesn’t possess the full UEFA ‘B’ coaching qualification needed as part of the application process for a Championship licence - a requirement of any club seeking promotion to the top-flight.

He will remain at Carrick as a member of the coaching team and has applied for the next ‘B’ Licence course in June. His last game at the helm will be tomorrow night’s East Antrim derby at Larne.

The Irish Football Association confirmed to the Times that any club wishing to gain a Championship licence must have a UEFA ‘B’ qualified first-team manager. The cut-off point is tomorrow which, according to an IFA spokesperson, ‘marks the end of applicable review period for confirmation / clarification of club submissions’.

Haveron became Carrick boss in September 2013 and this season saw his side win the Steel and Sons Cup. In the league, the team remain on course to challenge for the title in the second tier. Carrick are also just one game away from reaching the Intermediate Cup final.

Rangers chairman David Hilditch said: “I would like to thank Gary for the incredible effort he has put into this football club as manager.

“Gary took us to within 110 minutes of the league title last season and also ensured that the Steel and Sons Cup returned to Taylor’s Avenue for the first time in 47 years.

“Furthermore, Gary has guided us to the semi-finals of the Intermediate Cup while also ensuring that we are well placed in the Championship 1 standings with seven games remaining.

“I am also glad Gary has applied for the ‘B’ Licence training course in the summer and Carrick Rangers will fully support him during this process.”

Taggart, 34, is the new man in the hot-seat and is ‘B’ Licence qualified. He signed for his hometown team in June 1996, made his debut against Omagh Town in February 1997 and has played for Carrick ever since.

Mr Hilditch added: “We are pleased that Glenn has agreed to take over as manager.

“Glenn is well respected by everyone at Taylor’s Avenue given his achievements at the club and this should help ensure a seamless transition for all at Carrick Rangers and ensure that we continue to move forward and attempt to bring top-flight football back to Carrickfergus.”