Portadown legend 'assume there's a replacement lined up' theory after 'surprise' Niall Currie exit
Portadown legend Philip Major felt Niall Currie “did a really good job” at Shamrock Park – and assumes “there's a replacement already lined up” following his surprise exit.
After three-and-a-half years at the Co Armagh club, Currie’s second spell came to an end on Wednesday with captain Gary Thompson named as interim manager.
Thompson’s temporary reign began with a 2-1 victory over former club Ballymena United – a result which ended Portadown’s eight-game winless league run.
With two matches of the season remaining and an opportunity to finish eighth still available, the timing of Currie’s departure shocked many across the Irish League.
Currie returned to his hometown club in October 2022, guiding them back to the Premiership at the first attempt following top-flight relegation, and he also led the Ports to a BetMcLean Cup final.
While Major was surprised by the decision, he has guessed that the club’s hierarchy have already identified Currie’s successor.
"I think ultimately it was a surprise, but strangely throughout the season there were rumours about Niall's position at the football club,” said Major on BBC Sportsound. “His remit when he got control of the club was to take it back to the Premiership and stabilise.
"As far as I'm concerned, he ticked both of those boxes.
"I think it's increasingly difficult for a manager of a club like Portadown or Crusaders or Glenavon, part-time clubs, where supporters have expectations.
"The two most important things are the finances and your recruitment, and if you don't have that financial backing...Niall in his first season was able to make a number of high-profile signings that went very well.
"He also picked up a number of unknown players who did well like Josh Ukek and Ahu Obhakhan, but this season he wasn't backed to the same extent.
"Maybe there's been disappointment with the performances, but the truth of the matter is I assume there's a replacement already lined up.
"That replacement will need investment to improve the fortunes of the football club.
"The reality is you're probably still fighting for fifth or sixth position. I don't think it was ever realistic to challenge for the top-six, Niall did a really good job.”
Former Crusaders captain Colin Coates praised Currie’s work at Portadown and believes it’s becoming tougher to compete in the Premiership's ever-changing landscape.
"I think I would be disappointed and frustrated if I was Niall,” he added. “You look at the top-four spaces, they're dominated by the four teams who have the greatest finances to go and sign the best players.
"Outside of that there's another league with everybody challenging for fifth and sixth.
"Dungannon have proven they are more than worthy and Cliftonville are always going to be there or thereabouts being a bigger Belfast club.
"It's really the swing of a few games which could determine finishing seventh or 10th, the difference between losing your job and going to a European play-off.
"It's disappointing for Niall with the number of key players missing throughout the season.
"I think he has done a fantastic job since he came back steadying the ship. It's so difficult now to compete in the Irish League.
"No doubt he will be back involved at an Irish League club sooner rather than later."