Glentoran FC confirms that after a conversation with manager Alan Kernaghan, midfielder Stephen Rice has left the club with immediate effect. Stephen – who joined the club in March following a successful career in the SSE Airtricity League – is a full time coach with the Football Association of Ireland in Dublin and his employer has indicated that he will now be regularly expected to work on Saturdays in his player development role.
Stephen told www.glentoran.com this evening: “It’s been a really tough decision to leave Glentoran but due to my work and coaching commitments in Dublin I feel that if I can’t give my club 100% then it’s not right for me to continue. I have really enjoyed my short time at Glentoran. It’s a fantastic club that has welcomed me warmly. I would like to thank the players, staff and especially Alan, who has been great to me. All at the club were a pleasure to work with and I wish them and the club every success for the rest of the season in getting that European place. I will be watching the Glentoran results closely between now and the end of the season.”
Stephen made his debut against Cliftonville at the Oval on 1st March. He played in 4 games for the Glens – 2 wins and 2 defeats. Everyone at Glentoran wishes Stephen a long and successful career in coaching and thanks him for his contribution.