We are very pleased to announce Andy Mitchell has been appointed as a full-time member of the club’s Scholarship programme within the Academy programme at Inver Park.
The role will see him work under Head Scholarship Coach Keith O’Hara, who arrived at the club last summer. As a result of the new full-time role for Andy, he will spend next season on loan as a player at neighbours Carrick Rangers.
The former Rangers, Linfield and Crusaders can’t wait to get stuck into his new role at club, which he will begin next week with two year groups of Scholars enrolled for the year ahead.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to taking this next step in my coaching career with the club.
“At 30 I still want to play and feel I have a lot to contribute in that sense, so that’s why I’m going on loan next season.
“There is a thriving full-time Academy at the club and on a personal level, this is a really good opportunity for myself and I can’t wait to get started on the next step on my coaching pathway.”
Having arrived at the club in January 2020, Mitchell is well-placed to know the demands of being a player at the club and what boss Tiernan Lynch is looking for in the next generation coming through.
“Having worked under the Gaffer for the last two years I know what he’s all about and what’s required at the club,” he said.
“I’ve been fortunate to be at some big clubs in my career and it sounds silly, but you don’t necessarily get coached at big clubs because they tend to have the best players, it’s more about man management.
“At Larne it’s a different kettle of fish and there is a lot of emphasis on how we want to play, right throughout the club.
“I’ve done my B and A Licences over the last fortnight and that has been really intense fortnight, but it also gives me a greater appreciation of the work coaches put in, and have done throughout my career.
“I’ve had a lot of highs and lows in my career and hopefully I’m well placed to get alongside young players and help them on their own journey and prepare them for what’s ahead.”
First team boss Tiernan Lynch is also delighted with the appointment.
“We’re sorry to lose Andy as a player, but we’re delighted to welcome him as a full-time coach in this capacity,” he said.
“Andy is top, top professional and we’ve seen that right throughout his time at the club. He is well-placed to be helping young players on the pathway we’re trying to create, alongside Keith O’Hara.
“He already has a wealth of coaching experience and has been enjoying a great career as a player also, which makes for a great combination in this role.”
