Tiernan Lynch has been a transformative figure for Larne, guiding the club from the NIFL Championship to the UEFA Conference League in seven and a half years.
With Lynch now set to depart for Derry City, Larne will need a strong replacement to sustain their upward trajectory.
Here are five potential candidates who may back themselves to step into the role and continue the success established by Lynch at Inver Park.
Gary Haveron
Gary Haveron has carved out a solid reputation in Northern Irish football as both a player and a manager.
His managerial highlights include his time at Carrick Rangers, where he achieved promotion to the Premiership during the 2014–15 season by winning the NIFL Championship title. Haveron is known for instilling discipline and building well-organised teams, traits that could suit Larne’s ambitions.
While his stint as Glentoran was mixed, Haveron’s understanding of the Irish League and his ability to work with limited resources make him an interesting option.
Crucially, he joined Tiernan Lynch’s coaching staff in April 2023 so he knows the club inside out from the talent on the pitch to the powers that be in boardroom.
Gareth McAuley
A Northern Ireland legend with 80 international caps, Gareth McAuley has yet to take on a full-time managerial role in club football, but his footballing pedigree is unquestionable.
Known for his leadership and tactical understanding during a long playing career that included successful spells with West Bromwich Albion and a standout role in Northern Ireland’s Euro 2016 campaign, McAuley is currently the manager of the Northern Irish under 19 team.
With a background of mentoring younger players at international, his profile and connections could bring a fresh approach to Larne as they enter a new era.
Rodney McAree
Rodney McAree has extensive experience in the Irish League and is best known for guiding Dungannon Swifts to their first-ever major trophy by winning the Irish League Cup in 2018.
He returned to the Swifts in the summer of 2023 for a second spell as manager and has the club continually punching voice their weight against clubs with bigger budgets than them.
He has also had spells as manager of Coleraine, and Glentoran in the Irish Premiership.
McAree is highly respected for his tactical awareness and ability to get the best out of his squads.
With Larne’s strong infrastructure and ambitions, McAree’s experience could be invaluable in ensuring continued success at Inver Park.
Gary Hamilton
Gary Hamilton is synonymous with Glenavon, where he served as manager from 2011 to 2023.
During his tenure, he transformed the club into consistent European contenders in the Irish Premiership and led them to Irish Cup victories in 2014 and 2016.
Hamilton is praised for his ability to develop young talent and work effectively within a club’s constraints.
With over a decade of managerial experience and a deep understanding of the league, Hamilton could be the steady hand Larne might look for to build on Lynch’s work.
Ian Baraclough
Ian Baraclough brings a wealth of experience to the table, including a spell as the manager of the Northern Ireland national team between 2020 and 2022.
Before that, he achieved notable success with Sligo Rovers, where he won the League of Ireland Premier Division title in 2012 and an FAI Cup in 2013. While his tenure with Northern Ireland was challenging,
Baraclough’s experience of managing at the highest level of international football as well as within the League of Ireland make him a credible candidate for Larne.
His familiarity with both cross-border football and international football could align well with Larne’s ambitions to compete in European competition – just as they have this season – in the years ahead.
Callum McFadden 