Carrick Rangers have announced that Stuart King has parted company with the club. The Taylors Avenue side said King has left by mutual consent following Tuesday night's BetMcLean Cup defeat to Queen's University. Carrick were undone by Chris Middleton's long-range effort in the second half which saw the Premiership outfit knocked out of the competition in the first round.
It was the latest body blow to King whose side are rooted to the bottom of the Irish Premiership and have lost nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions. Carrick said in a brief statement on social media: 'Carrick Rangers and Stuart King have this evening parted company by mutual consent.' King has previously spoken of the pressure he was under on a personal level, admitting to 'sleepless nights' over the club's form and receiving flak on social media. The former Linfield winger was appointed Carrick boss in June 2021 and guided the club to a 10th-place finish in his debut season. He followed that up with an eighth-place finish in 2022/23, and last season Carrick reached the European play-offs for the first time in their history after finishing seventh in the table. With major investment at the club Carrick hoped to kick on this term, but it has been a hugely difficult opening for King who has now stepped down. Speaking in a recent interview, King said: 'Things are getting tight for me. I’m trying to juggle family responsibilities along with my career, and it’s certainly not easy. I know how crucial it is for us to start winning matches; that's the yardstick by which I’ll be measured.' He added: 'I’m the manager, and I’m proud of it. I know I’m strong enough to face challenges head-on, but I must also care for myself, my family, and those who matter to me.