Gary Haveron explains Nathan Rooney’s shock departure from Larne as hunt begins for new boss

Gary Haveron begins another spell as interim boss once with 1-1 draw at Cliftonville

Gary Haveron says differences between Nathan Rooney and Larne FC’s owners led to the Englishman parting ways with the club.

Haveron admitted he was shocked to hear that Rooney’s tenure at Inver Park had come to an end, but speaking after taking interim charge of the side for Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw at Cliftonville the 44-year-old said the parties “didn’t see eye to eye”.

The former Glentoran boss has backed Rooney to go on and have a successful career, but says Larne will now “align with the owners’ vision” as the search for a permanent manager continues.

“It’s just unfortunate that both sides didn’t see eye to eye and parted ways by mutual consent,” Haveron told BBC Sport. “Nathan will go on and have a very successful career – he’s an outstanding coach and a great character.

“The club will now align with the owners’ vision, and we respect that. We go forward in the direction they want.”

This is the third time Haveron has stepped in to take charge of first team affairs in the past 12 months and he insists stability is key now.

“Shock was my initial reaction whenever I got the call to say what had happened. I think that was the initial reaction of everyone at the club,” said Haveron.

“When the call came in and I was asked ‘was I prepared to step in’, the answer will always be ‘yes’. I do what I can to support the club in any way, shape or form.

“Stability is really important now and hopefully that’s what I can bring to the club for the time being, just get round the boys and support them.

“We’ve got a fantastic set of players at the club and the infrastructure is absolutely first class. It has been a turbulent 12 months but we’re looking to move into calmer waters and hopefully I can help in that respect in the coming weeks.”