Stuart King reflects on three-year tenure with 'special' club after Carrick Rangers exit
Stuart King has reflected on his three-year tenure at Carrick after parting company with the club following a shock 1-0 defeat against Queen’s in the first round of the BetMcLean Cup on Tuesday.
It was Rangers’ ninth loss in 10 games in all competitions and proved to be King’s final match in charge.
In a statement last night, King said: “Obviously, my time at Carrick Rangers has come to an end. I would like to thank the Board for the opportunity to manage in the Premier League.
“Not many clubs would have taken a chance on a PIL manager so early in his management journey.
“When I took over, I told you that no one would work as hard and that I would progress the Club. I was demanding but I feel I have left the Club in a much better place with your help.
“The Club is special because of the people who work behind the scenes, the volunteers who don’t get noticed, if it’s the club chaplain, stewards, the men and women that look after the shop, cleaners, academy staff, admin and media team, I would like to thank you all for the help and support you have given me and the staff.
“Your time is vital to the Club and I really appreciated it.”
Turning his focus to the players, King said their achievements together ‘cannot be changed’.
“To the players, what a journey it’s been,” he continued. “Ups and downs but what we achieved together cannot be changed. Year on year breaking Club records and securing a European play-off spot. I was proud to lead you.
“To my staff, thank you. You don’t get the recognition you deserve. Everything I asked wasn’t a problem and hopefully we can work together again soon. You all had my back when I needed it.
“To the fans, all I wanted to do is make you proud to support Carrick.”
Ending his statement, King thanked his family and said he was looking forward to spending some ‘quality time’ with his ‘best team’.
“Now, we can have some quality time together, recharge and go again when the next opportunity arises,” he said. “I’m sure you will be glad to hear that.”
Rangers Chairman Peter Clarke thanked King for his ‘hard work, commitment and dedication’.
"As his time as our manager comes to an end, we reflect fondly on the many successes he achieved during his time with us and are thankful for the progress made on the pitch under his direction,” said Clarke.
“While making the mutual decision to part ways was not easy, it was agreed that it was ultimately in the best interests of both parties.
"Naturally, all of us at Carrick Rangers wish Stuart and his family well and look forward to welcoming them back to Taylors Avenue in the future.”
After his appointment in June 2021, King improved the team’s league position year-on-year, culminating in a seventh-placed finish in the Sports Direct Premiership last season and qualification to the European Play-Offs.
After his appointment in June 2021, King improved the team’s league position year-on-year, culminating in a seventh-placed finish in the Sports Direct Premiership last season and qualification to the European Play-Offs.
However, following an opening day win in the Irish Premiership, Carrick are bottom of the table after eight league defeats in a row.