CARRICK RANGERS: Club's chairman and vice-chairman resign

The pair, who have been members of the board since 2013, issued a joint-statement on Monday outlining their ‘primary objectives’ achievements at Taylor’s Avenue, saying they have resigned to spend more time with their families.

The statement read: “We would like to advise that we have both tendered our resignations to the club’s owner, Michael Hughes.

“Since joining the board three years ago, we have worked tirelessly with fellow directors in helping to develop the club to a level not achieved in recent times, both on and off the field.

“Off the field we now have new changing rooms, a state-of-the-art floodlighting system and a new drainage system that is currently being installed.

“In addition, we have developed the masterplan for a complete ground redevelopment and the first phase has been granted full planning permission.

“On the field during the past three years we have seen unparalleled success, winning the treble (including promotion) and this year finishing 10th. Surviving the first year after promotion is always the hardest and with the new structures that we helped put in place for this year we are hopeful that the club will build on this and finish significantly higher.

“Therefore, with all our primary objectives achieved, we decided that now is the right time to step down to allow us to focus on our personal careers and spend more time with our families.

“We would like to thank Michael Hughes, the board, players and management for all their assistance and support, we would also like to say a special thanks to all of the supporters who have helped us over the past few years, we are privileged as a club to have supporters who are willing to give so much.”

On Friday, Carrick appointed ex-Portadown assistant boss Kieran Harding as successor to Gary Haveron who resigned last week.