IRISH LEAGUE: Carrick appoint Callaghan as new boss

The 50-year-old, from Dublin, has managed in the League of Ireland with Athlone Town, Longford Town, Bohemians and UCD and started his managerial career as a player-manager for Crusaders. His most recent position was as assistant manager to Roddy Collins at Waterford United.

Callaghan said: "I'm delighted to get the opportunity to manage Carrick Rangers. I would like to transfer the identity of the club onto a professional platform and I look forward to working with all key stakeholders to achieve this objective. It's a league I have achieved great success as a player and a manager and I am confident of improving the current squad's tactical, technical, psychological and physical abilities."

Speaking about the appointment, club secretary David Hilditch added: "We hope Aaron's appointment will bring stability to matters on the field and developing the club moving forward. There are various projects that will become apparent in the coming months and we hope that Aaron can play a major role in those."

Callaghan was one of the first Irish coaches to obtain the UEFA PRO licence in 2007 and has qualifications in sports management, injury management, fitness and in supervisory management.

During his playing career, Callaghan spent 10 years in England, spending time at Stoke City, Oldham Athletic, Crewe Alexandra and Preston North End.

A defender, he was capped for Republic of Ireland at under-21 level and also played with Shelbourne, St Patrick's Athletic, Dundalk, Longford Town and current Danske Bank Premiership champions Crusaders, where he won two league titles under Roy Walker.

Callaghan was present at last night's Northern Ireland League Cup 3rd Round victory over Armagh City and will be in charge of this Saturday's Danske Bank Premiership fixture against Glenavon at the Belfast Loughshore Hotel Arena.

His backroom staff will include Terry Butler as his assistant manager who has been with him in several of his managerial roles.

We would also like to express our thanks to Glenn Taggart, Phil Lewis and Noel Dean for taking interim charge of first team affairs during the last few weeks.