Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

East Belfast FC announce new management team after pair step down

East Belfast have announced their new management set-up after Stephen Matthews and assistant Paul Wilson stepped down.

The Amateur League club have confirmed that first team coach Scott Harvey has taken up the role of club manager.

Harvey joined East Belfast during the 2015/16 season and will be joined by captain Lee Finlay who will act as first team assistant manager.

Read more: Junior Cup renamed in memory of former Irish FA administrator Craig Stanfield

The club said on Facebook: "Scott joined the club in 2015/16 season and has been a massive part of the clubs success with his fantastic coaching ability.

"It was no secret from within the club that he was always going to be first choice. He will be joined by club captain Lee Finlay as his First Team Assistant Manager. Lee has been a vital part of the club's success on the pitch.

"He is a big voice in the changing room and someone the players respect. Scott identified him early on as someone he wanted in alongside him.

"Joining them will be club legend Ryan Davison who joined the coaching staff last season and will continue his role as First Team Coach, having a legend like Ryan around who knows the club inside out is a huge bonus.

"Thomas Todd will also stay on in his First Team Coaching role. Toddy joined the club back in 2015/16 season alongside Scott and is another person who has helped bring success to the club.

"Everyone at East Belfast FC wish the boys all the success in the world. They have the full backing of everyone at the club and we hope they can continue on the success."

East Belfast - who currently sit fourth in the Premier Division of the Amateur League after completing their campaign - announced Matthews and Wilson's departures on Monday night.

The pair joined the club in 2014/15 and led East Belfast to the 1B title in their first year in management.

They also went on to lift the Border cup, Clarence Cup and Division 1A title, and also guided the club to a famous Steel and Sons Cup success in 2018, beating Sirocco Works 3-0 in the showpiece final.

"The club cannot thank the two lads more for what they achieved at the club and how they rebuilt the club up again," East Belfast said.

"They installed a winning mentality, gained the respect of the footballing community and made East Belfast FC a force to be recognised with again. They installed a family atmosphere at the club and earned the respect of the players who would run to the end of the earth for them both.

"They have left the club in a strong position going forward for the next management team.

"We are very happy both men will be joining the club's board to help with the running of the club off the field. This is a huge bonus for our club and a move that shows how much the club means to both men."

Read more: Linfield captain Jamie Mulgrew aims dig at rivals as he savours 10th title success

Read more: David Healy reflects on 'Loanfield' jibes as he toasts fifth Premiership title with Blues

Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.