'Not overly disruptive' - Haveron on Larne restructure

New Larne first team coach Gary Haveron says the restructure at the club has been "hectic but exciting" but has not been "overly disruptive".

A statement released by the Irish Premiership champions on Saturday evening explained that recently appointed manager Nathan Rooney would move to occupy the role of head of football.

The move came after it was confirmed that Rooney was unable to officially lead Larne in their Uefa Conference League games as he does not yet have the required Pro Licence.

Rooney had been brought in from Gibraltar side Bruno's Magpies to replace Tiernan Lynch as head coach after he departed for Derry City just three weeks ago.

Haveron explained to BBC Sport NI that Rooney's position now would be an overarching one including "the scholarship programme, the academy, the women's side of the club" but added that he would also have an input into first team preparation.

"He [Rooney] has so much to offer in terms of experience and knowledge of the game and it would be silly not to tap into that information and experience," explained Haveron.

"He'll be hands on to a certain degree but obviously when it comes to looking after first team matters that's very much my domain.

"Nathan has come into the football club and he's been a big bundle of energy – he's a great motivator. It's been great getting to know him, I've spent a lot of time with him over the last number of weeks and I'm really excited to be working with him moving forward."

Haveron says it is "a huge honour" for him to become head coach of his hometown club after several years as part of Lynch's backroom staff.

"For me personally, I've always had that relationship with the players. I've been in and around the first team for nearly five years, although that dynamic changes slightly now as I'm the one leaving them out of the team.

"I'm very familiar with the club and how it works. I suppose I was helping Nathan integrate into the club over the last period of time but nothing has really changed in terms of on the ground coaching.

"Losing Tiernan and Seamus in the middle of a European campaign wasn't ideal but change happens in football all the time and you roll with it and adapt. We're ready to pick up and go on as usual and be as professional as we possibly can."

Haveron is confident that he, Rooney and the coaching staff at the club can all combine to ensure a bright future for the east Antrim club.

"Nathan came in and made a really good impact on the squad in terms of he's a really bubbly character, he's got a big personality.

"It's a team effort, a collective thing, and it always has been. He's come in as Head of Football and he'll play that role but he's also good on the grass so why would you ignore the fact that he's good on the grass.

"It's just understanding who picks the team, who puts the side out and that's my responsibility so that we represent the town as best we can."