One of the worst kept secrets in Scottish football was finally made official yesterday night with Oran Kearney being announced as the manager of Northern Irish side Coleraine.
The Northern Irishman had left St. Mirren back in June after leading the club to safety in the Premiership with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Championship side Dundee United in the relegation play-offs. Kearney had only arrived from Coleraine to the Simple Digital Arena in September of last year and his decision to join his former club has left many St. Mirren supporters hurt and angry.
???? | #ColeraineFC is delighted to announce the appointment of Oran Kearney as the club's new manager… #COTB
???? https://t.co/IPOtQUNcJW pic.twitter.com/EUHIIac8JA
— Coleraine FC (@ColeraineFC) July 3, 2019
Kearney departed St. Mirren in somewhat murky circumstances after reportedly falling out with The Buddies Chairman Gordon Scott over where the 40-year-old would live. Scott had wanted Kearney to relocate to the Paisley area but the Northern Irishman was adamant that he’d be commuting from his homeland and the disagreement soured the relationship so much that Kearney felt he couldn’t stay at the club. St. Mirren acted quickly to appoint Kearney’s successor opting for a manager much closer to home (I wonder why?) in the shape of club legend Jim Goodwin, who had worked wonders at Alloa in the last two seasons.
Whatever the case it has left a sour taste in the mouths of the St. Mirren fans who would’ve liked the whole situation to be handled better from the offset and throughout.
All the best Oran, done is a turn ????does seem rather fishy though. It’s all about the goody ????
— Mattman (@yerauldmattman) July 3, 2019
Hard one. Backed him to the hilt the last few weeks and have no problem with him going if it’s not for him but not at the expense of paying off another manager. He should have been man enough to walk away. Left a bit of a sour taste for me now.
— Markyヅ ???????? (@marky1877) July 3, 2019
It was a very disappointing way for it all to finish though. Had Oran announced he was homesick and wanted to go back and resigned after the Utd game he’d have left a hero.
Remember this rumour started to appear (from NI side) on 10th MAY.
Feels like we have been shafted a bit.
— Black & White Army (@bawarmy) July 3, 2019
@OranKearney Obviously worked your ticket to get back home. Grateful for keeping us up but would have more respect if you were honest and said you wanted to go back home after the Dundee Utd game #bad taste
— David healy (@healy1877) July 3, 2019
For someone who came across as a genuinely nice guy, very disappointing.
— Dava Dave (@sjfcfeed) July 3, 2019
Total liar !!!
— MM0JTV (@southsidebuddie) July 3, 2019