CARRICK Rangers are stepping up their search for a new manager after parting company with Stuart King in the wake of Tuesday’s 1-0 BetMcLean Cup defeat to Queen’s University.
That shock defeat by the Premier Intermediate side was a ninth in 10 matches for Carrick across all competitions, with pressure building on King in recent weeks.
The ex-Linfield, Ballymena United and Glenavon winger King took over at Taylors Avenue in June 2021 and, after finishing 10th position in his first year, he led Carrick to eighth the following year and qualified for a first-ever European play-off last season.
However, the current season has gone downhill since an opening day win over Glenavon, with Carrick rooted to the bottom of the Irish Premiership table after nine matches.
The 43-year-old, who spent five seasons with Banbridge Town before joining Carrick, had spoken candidly about how difficult that poor run had been, and Chris Middleton’s winner for Queen’s proved the final straw in what turned out to be King’s last match in charge.
Meanwhile, Queens’ reward for that victory is a last-16 home tie with Championship side Annagh United, although that fixture could yet be reversed.
The standout draw, though, sees holders Linfield - who saw off Dundela on Tuesday night – take on Glentoran at Windsor Park. The fierce derby rivals meet in the league this Friday, also at Windsor.
Crusaders host Coleraine in the only other all-Irish Premiership clash in the draw, with Armagh City - who beat Loughgall in the first round - are home to Glenavon.
After knocking out Portadown, Championship outfit Ards are at Ballymena United, who needed a penalty shootout to squeeze past Premier Intermediate side Rathfriland Rangers.
Premiership champions Larne take on Institute after seeing off H&W Welders, while Bangor will welcome Coleraine to Clandeboye Park, with Dollingstown making the trip to Stangmore Park to face Dungannon Swifts.
All ties are scheduled for Tuesday, November 5 and Wednesday, November 6.
BetMcLean Cup last 16 draw: Crusaders v Coleraine, Linfield v Glentoran, Dungannon Swifts v Dollingstown, Bangor v Cliftonville, Ballymena United v Ards, Armagh City v Glenavon, Queen’s University v Annagh United, Institute v Larne
