AMATEUR LEAGUE: New boss John Logan aiming to revive Rathfern Rangers' fortunes

Amateur League side Rathfern Rangers have appointed John Logan as their new manager and he's aiming to revive their fortunes.
John Logan is the new boss at Amateur League side Rathfern Rangers.John Logan is the new boss at Amateur League side Rathfern Rangers.
John Logan is the new boss at Amateur League side Rathfern Rangers.

The 42-year-old succeeds Bill Campbell in the role at the Division 1B outfit and he’s keen to make a big impact at a club that’s close to his heart.

Rathfern finished ninth in the table last season but they had a nervy end to the campaign, flirting with relegation right up until the final match.

In Logan, Rangers have a successful boss who won back-to-back Division 3A championships with a record-breaking Albert Foundry II team. He cut his teeth in management at Islandmagee seconds before winning a title with Rathcoole.

With strong family ties connecting him to Rathfern, the offer to take the hotseat at The Diamond was too good to turn down. And now he’s keen to breathe new life into the club.

“I’m here to try and turn it around and try and get Rathfern back up to where they belong,” he said. “My brothers, Colin and Steven, both played for Rathfern and my dad managed them years ago and I was in the supporters’ club with them too.

“I’m disappointed to leave Albert Foundry but I’m looking forward to the challenge at Rathfern.

“Hugh Sinclair came in at Albert Foundry and I was looking forward to working under him but, as he said to me, when you’re successful teams come knocking on your door.

“I’ve won 3A and been part of second-team football for a while so it’s the right decision to take a new challenge.”

With East Antrim clubs UUJ, Barn, Wellington Rec, Mossley, along with north Belfast neighbours Grove United all in the same division next year, it’s going to be a interesting season for Logan’s new charges.

“I’ve been on the ball in terms of getting players in ... I’ve been very busy. Pre-season starts at the end of June and things will get busy for the club from the first week in July.

“It’s going be a hard league next year, but I’m looking forward to it.”