Chambers comes in as Kirk resigns
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
By Louise Murphy.
BALLYCLARE Comrades were left in a state of shock last week, after their long serving manager Jamesy Kirk announced his resignation in the wake of the club's Steel & Sons Cup exit at the hands of local rivals Carrick Rangers.
Jamesy had been involved with the Dixon Park club in both capacities as a player and manager for over 26 years and felt that he had taken the side as far as he could since his appointment as manager back in May 2001.
His number two and club youth co-ordinator Gordon Chambers has been appointed as the new first team manager after working his way up through the ranks, previously coaching the clubs Under 16 and 18 teams.
During his time in the role Jamesy enjoyed various successes which saw Ballyclare build a reputation as being a team to watch out for. Despite working with a limited budget Jamesy brought the club to the Steel & Sons Cup final last year and the semi's of the same competition this season.
On top of this his other main highlights as manager include: a third place finish in the old First Division in 2003/04, with the team one goal away from a play-off place; a third place finish last season in the final year of the First Division; and taking the side straight back up as runaway Second Division champions in 2006/07.
His shocking announcement came in the aftermath of the club losing 3-1 to local rivals Carrick Rangers in Wednesday nights Steel & Sons cup semi final, however Jamesy denied that this was the reason for his decision.
Jamesy said: "It's a wrench to leave the club and I do so with a heavy heart. I have been there 26 years, results have taken their toll and my decision to resign was not a knee-jerk one after losing to Carrick as I have been thinking about it for five or six weeks. Our league position is bleak and very disappointing after last season when we pushed Loughgall all the way. I feel I have taken the club as far as I can and have bitten the bullet."
New manager Gordon Chambers is aware of the task he is about to embark on, but he is optimistic about the challenge and has called on the fans to continue to support him as they did Jamesy.
Speaking exclusively to the Ballyclare Gazette, Gordon said: "Obviously Jamesy leaving has come as a big shock to everyone involved with the club, he has been here both as a player and a manager for a long time and he is a big character and personality who will be missed.
“However as is always the case in situations like this, someone has to step up and I am pleased to do it, I'm looking forward to getting us going in the right direction".
Coming from a youth background himself, this is something Gordon is keen to continue to develop. He added: "The young players will continue to have a big bearing at the club. Jamesy instigated getting the youth system up and running and he brought a number of young players through into the first team during his time here.
“This is something that will continue to happen and it can only be a good thing for both the club and the players, especially in today's financial climate when it is even more beneficial to develop home grown players".
Gordon has also called for the fans to lend him their full support.
He said: "I was speaking to some supporters over the weekend and I have asked them to give me the same support as they gave to Jamesy. When there are changes at any club, especially at the top as has been the case here, it is important that everyone comes together in order to push the club in the right direction. The fans have always been very loyal in my time here and I hope that this continues."
