Manager ready to put 'heart and soul' into silverware pursuit after taking on new Irish League challenge

Former Coleraine U20s boss Law had spent the past six years at Portstewart, winning consecutive Craig Memorial Cup crowns in 2019/20 and 2021/22, before departing last month, but is ready for a quick return to a club he last managed 14 years ago.

It was during Law’s previous tenure that Tobermore earned their spot in the Championship and while they’ve spent the past 11 years plying their trade in Northern Ireland’s third-tier, he’s determined to help them hit similar heights once again this time around.

"I was speaking to someone at Tobermore and they told me the last time they won a trophy (2009/10 Craig Memorial Cup) was when I was manager and I've reassured him those times are coming again,” he said. “Winning trophies at our level is a very hard thing to do but I'm confident we're capable.

"I had to make a decision (on taking the job) in a couple of hours with the way it happened. I've good friends there having managed them before. They'd asked me if I was going to stay out of football but I wanted to jump at the first opportunity that was right for me.

"I was coaching my grandson when the guy at Tobermore rang and wanted me to take the job. I needed a couple of hours to think about it and make sure everything was alright.

"I went up to meet the players and I can't believe the squad they have - they've top players. There's definitely a bright future for them and I'm glad to get the opportunity to be part of it."

While Law has been out of the dugout for the past month, he’s still been taking in games every weekend from a new perspective but always had a keen eye on the manager’s, wishing he could be involved once again.

That time has come with Saturday’s Premier Intermediate League trip to Lisburn Distillery the first assignment and after a tough end to his Portstewart tenure, Law feels rejuvenated and ready for the challenge.

"When I left Portstewart it was like a massive weight had been lifted off my shoulders,” he reflected. "My wife is the only person I've told that football had became a chore and only for her persuading me to stay a number of times I would have left a long time ago.

"I knew it was the right time and the right decision - it was one made for my family and I. I've been really lucky to get this opportunity and I'm going to put my heart and soul into it.

“When I got this opportunity, even after the first night of training, I had that buzz again and I'm happy in football again. I used to look at my stress levels and the only high during the week would be at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon, but I'm delighted to be back in it.”