Gary Hamilton joins new club as Glenavon confirm interim manager

Ex-Glenavon manager Gary Hamilton

Former Glenavon player/manager Gary Hamilton

Glenavon's interim boss Gary McAlister

Glenavon Reserves manager Gary McAlister will take charge of the first team for Saturday’s clash with Carrick Rangers at Mourneview Park.

The former County Down SuperCupNI coach will be helped by injured player Mark Haughey and reserve team coaches Chris Chambers and Paul McCrum.

McAlister was called into action after long-serving manager Gary Hamilton was sacked by the Lurgan Blues on Wednesday night. The club has invited interested parties to express their interest in the vacant role by Wednesday 20 September 2023.

Ahead of Saturday’s game, interim boss McAlister told the Glenavon website: “It has been a difficult few days for everyone but I was pleased with the players’ attitude and level of application. They are professionals and know that they have a job to do. The club needs a result against Carrick. From what I saw tonight, they are ready to give their best and hopefully perform well.

“It has happened so quickly and there has been so much to do that I have not really had time to think too deeply about things. Obviously, it is far from an ideal situation, but it is what it is. Chris, Mark and I have been asked to do a job and we’ll do it to the best of our ability.

“It will be different from a Glenavon Reserves’ fixture. There is no doubt about that. But the fundamentals don’t change. We want the lads to work hard, play well and, at the end of the afternoon, get a positive result.”

Meanwhile, axed gaffer Hamilton has registered as a player with Mid Ulster Football League Division One side Hill Street. The Lurgan club are managed by the former Northern Ireland international’s brother, Mark Hamilton.