Amateur League manager to step down after trophy-laden decade in charge
Crumlin Star have confirmed manager Paul Trainor is set to step down at the end of this term following a trophy-laden decade in charge of the Amateur League club.
During his reign, Trainor has collected 13 trophies, including three NAFL Premier Division titles – the Belfast club went unbeaten throughout their league campaign during the 2018/19 season.
Trainor also masterminded Star’s run to three Intermediate Cup crowns, a hat-trick of Border Cups and two Clarence Cups – they won both the Intermediate Cup and Clarence Cup last term.
Crumlin Star also enjoyed a run to the Irish Cup’s sixth round in 2019, going ahead against Larne before losing out 3-1, and reached the same stage in 2015/16.
Trainor leads a management team which also includes former Cliftonville and Glentoran boss Eddie Patterson and could yet depart with another league medal – they sit 10 points adrift of leaders Derriaghy CC but have played five games fewer at this stage.
They’ve also progressed to the Intermediate Cup quarter-finals and will take face Strabane Athletic on March 14.
Confirming Trainor’s departure, Crumlin Star posted: “The Management Committee of Crumlin Star FC has been informed by Paul Trainor of his intention to step down from his role as Club Manager at the end of the 2025/26 season.
"Paul's decision comes after 10 years at the helm...a period which has brought unbridled success to the Club with a haul of 13 trophies including three Premiership Titles, three Intermediate Cups, three Border Cups and two Clarence Cups.
"Paul guided us on many memorable runs to the fifth and sixth round of the Irish Cup and was also unbeaten as Manager of the NAFL Rosebowl Team.
"Paul guided the team to an unbeaten Premiership division campaign in 2018/19, a season which saw Crumlin Star capture an unprecedented treble which included our first Intermediate Cup.
“The Management Committee, players and supporters of CSFC would like to put on record our sincere thanks to Paul and his coaching staff for the huge success he has brought to the Club during his tenure as Club Manager and for positioning us as one of the top Intermediate Clubs in the country.
"We would like to wish the Boss well for the future and hope that he continues to be involved in the Club's future development. It’s extremely hard to put into limited words Paul’s contribution and achievements with the club.”