We are delighted to announce Matthew Crawford has been appointed as the new manager of Larne FC Women, leading an exciting new coaching team at the club.
Matthew Crawford will replace Daniel Carlisle at the helm, becoming first-team manager. The role will see Matthew return to Inver Park with a wealth of experience gained across elite academy setups and international football. Matthew brings with him a strong background in player development, performance analysis and high-performance environments, having previously worked at Manchester City’s Academy, the Northern Ireland U17s and senior men’s teams, the Welsh FA’s senior team and U16 side, Swansea City’s Foundation phase as Lead Coach and involved previously with Larne men’s senior team as first team coach. His return marks an important step as the club continues to build a clear football identity and long-term pathway.
Speaking on re-joining the club, he said:
“I’m happy to be come back to the club and want to make a big difference. After being asked to come on board, to come help the club progress and move forward, it was quite appealing, I know that I can make a positive contribution, based on my experience and knowledge, to the team and to the club.”
Joining him in the coaching setup is JP Donaldson, an UEFA A Licence coach, who arrives following spells within the Linfield Ladies Academy and most recently Crusaders Women’s Academy, while also coaching within the men’s game at St Matthew’s. JP’s experience across youth and senior development will prove vital I the ambition to keep progressing and development our women’s setup at the club.
Diarmuid McNeice also joins the first-team staff as a coach. Diarmuid brings significant experience from Cliftonville, working throughout their academy system and most recently with their U20 side. He holds a UEFA A Diploma and UEFA B Youth Licence, adding further depth and expertise to the coaching group.
Clare Carson will join the coaching staff as a first team coach. A former Northern Ireland international, Clare comes in with a wealth of experience in the domestic game. Having previously played for Cliftonville and Crusaders.
Clare became the first woman to lead a UEFA C Course in Northern Ireland and was part of the coaching set-up at Cliftonville during a highly successful era for the club, which saw her be part of the coaching staff to compete in Europe, including a win in the qualifying rounds of Women’s Champions League.
The club’s Technical Director, Keith O’Hara, had this to say about the new appointments:
“We are delighted to appoint Matthew Crawford as manager of Larne FC Women. He is a UEFA-licensed coach, a fantastic person, and someone who fully understands where this club is and where we want to go.
The coaching team we have assembled brings an outstanding level of experience, knowledge, and understanding of the women’s game, both locally and nationally. It was important for us to bring in good people with excellent skills, who can help raise standards and continue to develop the culture and environment within our women’s setup.
I would like to thank the club’s board, and Vice-Chairman, Neil Clarke in particular, for their support and commitment in making this possible. These are exciting times for Larne FC Women, and we are looking forward to what lies ahead.”
With a new backroom staff, there will be familiar faces remaining at the club with Bradley McAdam continuing in his role as Goalkeeping Coach and Eoghan Daly staying on as Physio.
Club stalwart Katherine Haveron will continue as a player while beginning a coaching and liaison role within the new setup, helping bridge the connection between squad and staff. Meanwhile, Elaine Kernohan, who has been with the club since its earliest days, will continue her role as Kit Manager.
