IRISH LEAGUE: Portadown to take time over appointing new manager

McFall resigned on Saturday following a shock Irish Cup defeat to Lurgan Celtic – bringing to an end his 29-year reign at Shamrock Park.

The club’s board of directors met on Monday night to discuss the way forward.

McMahon revealed captain Keith O’Hara will help run first team affairs ahead of Saturday’s Danske Bank Premiership fixture with Coleraine.

“Keith and a number of other senior players will take training tomorrow night and prepare the squad for Saturday,” McMahon said.

“We don’t want to rush into appointing a permanent manager, so we might look down the route of installing someone in the interim period to see us through the rest of the season.

“Staying in the Premiership is obviously critical to the club, but we would like to try and finish in seventh spot and get that final European play-off spot.”

A number of names have been linked with the vacant managerial post, including former players Matt Tipton and Pat McGibbon – who is currently the club’s physiotherapist.

Portadown’s all-time leading goalscorer Vinny Arkins has also offered to help the club.

“A lot of names have been mentioned, but it is just speculation,” McMahon added.

“We will advertise the post tomorrow and take it from there.”