Haveron on Larne’s Restructure: “Not Overly Disruptive”

Gary Haveron, the newly appointed first team coach for Larne, described the club’s recent restructure as “hectic but exciting” while noting it has not been “overly disruptive.” He also stated it is “a huge honour” to manage his hometown club. The Irish Premiership champions issued a statement on Saturday evening, clarifying that Nathan Rooney, who was recently appointed as manager, would transition into the position of head of football. This change followed confirmation that Rooney lacked the necessary Pro Licence to officially manage Larne during their Uefa Conference League matches. Rooney had joined Larne from Gibraltar’s Bruno’s Magpies to succeed Tiernan Lynch as head coach, following Lynch’s departure for Derry City three weeks prior. Speaking to BBC Sport NI, Haveron clarified that Rooney’s new role would be comprehensive, encompassing “the scholarship programme, the academy, the women’s side of the club,” while also contributing to first team preparations. Haveron stated, “He [Rooney] has so much to offer in terms of experience and knowledge of the game and it would be silly not to tap into that information and experience.” He further elaborated, “He’ll be hands on to a certain degree but obviously when it comes to looking after first team matters that’s very much my domain.” Haveron added, “Nathan has come into the football club and he’s been a big bundle of energy – he’s a great motivator. It’s been great getting to know him, I’ve spent a lot of time with him over the last number of weeks and I’m really excited to be working with him moving forward.” Haveron expressed that it is “a huge honour” for him to assume the role of head coach for his hometown club, having previously served for several years on Lynch’s backroom staff. He continued, “For me personally, I’ve always had that relationship with the players. I’ve been in and around the first team for nearly five years, although that dynamic changes slightly now as I’m the one leaving them out of the team.” Haveron further noted, “I’m very familiar with the club and how it works. I suppose I was helping Nathan integrate into the club over the last period of time but nothing has really changed in terms of on the ground coaching.” Regarding the recent changes, Haveron commented, “Losing Tiernan and Seamus in the middle of a European campaign wasn’t ideal but change happens in football all the time and you roll with it and adapt. We’re ready to pick up and go on as usual and be as professional as we possibly can.” Haveron conveyed confidence that he, Rooney, and the club’s coaching staff will collectively work to secure a promising future for the east Antrim club. He concluded by saying, “Nathan came in and made a really good impact on the squad in terms of he’s a really bubbly character, he’s got a big personality.” Haveron emphasized, “It’s a team effort, a collective thing, and it always has been. He’s come in as Head of Football and he’ll play that role but he’s also good on the grass so why would you ignore the fact that he’s good on the grass. “It’s just understanding who picks the team, who puts the side out and that’s my responsibility so that we represent the town as best we can.”