AMATEUR LEAGUE: Grange Rangers boss Stephen King turns down Islandmagee manager role

The 30-year-old former Ballyclare Comrades player has revived the fortunes of the Division 2C club and attracted the attention of the Wilbourne Park outfit after they parted company with Davy Rollo earlier this month.

“I have been thinking about the offer non-stop but football is about timing and the timing just wasn’t right for me,” King told the Times.

“I have built a squad capable of promotion and it was a case of looking at my commitment to them, too.

“I am flattered by the offer and it’s good to be connected with these jobs. Islandmagee were brilliant with me but the timing just wasn’t right.”

King, who was forced to stop playing at the age of 27 through injury, added: “There’s a great team spirit at Grange and it would be a shame to lose that. There’s a great bond in the squad.”

Grange welcome Ballysillan Swifts to Foundry Lane on Saturday, while Islandmagee - who are propping up the Premier Division table - are at home to Crumlin Star.