Soccer

Lynch is here to stay says Larne coach Gary Haveron

Lynch was linked with a move to St Johnstone last week but talks broke down between the parties

Tiernan Lynch
Tiernan Lynch has guided Larne to the group stages of a major European competition for the first time in the club's history (Andrew McCarroll/Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Pres)
By Stephen Looney

Tiernan Lynch’s DNA is all over Larne Football Club, says Gary Haveron after confirming the Larne manager’s position at Inver Park.

Lynch was linked with a move to St Johnstone last week, spoke to the Scottish club and a compensation package was agreed between the Saints and Larne.

However, a potential move fell through at the eleventh hour after Lynch and the SPFL reportedly could not agree personal terms.

The 44-year-old boss, who has guided Larne to the dizzy heights of European group-stage football, has kept a low profile since news broke of his possible move, allowing Haveron to take three media engagements in his place.

While the former Irish Cup winner could not shed light on what went on between the two parties, he says on a personal note he is happy with the outcome.

“The Gaffer’s here and he’s staying”, said Haveron. “Obviously the move didn’t suit him for whatever reason.

“I didn’t get into it with him, it was his decision to make and he had to decide what was the right thing for him to do.

“Only he will be able to tell you the ins and outs of it but I’m glad he didn’t take it.

Larne manager Tiernan Lynch
Larne manager Tiernan Lynch (David Maginnis/David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press)

“He’s a massive part of this football club, his DNA is in everything, from top to bottom of the football club so to build on what he has already done is really, really important.

“I hope there are more opportunities in the future for him because it will mean we will have continued to be successful, and if that’s the case it’s a win-win for everybody.

“I’ve worked very closely with Tiernan over the last two or three years, his brother Seamus is obviously closer and again only he could answer the question about how he felt about the situation.

“In football, players come and go and managers come and go, it’s part of the game.”