McNamee hoping Larne can move forward under new boss

“Like all the players I am glad it has been sorted out and we can now hopefully move forward,” McNamee said.

“I played against Davy when he was at Carrick and he was a top defender who had a great career in the game so, hopefully, I will be able to learn from him. I am looking forward to it and it will be a fresh challenge for us all.”

The Reds’ defender made a return to his old stomping ground at Suffolk Road in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Donegal Celtic and was content with a point after a late Ross Black equaliser.

“It is a big point for us after our recent run of results. We have been getting pats on the back but that doesn’t get you points.

“Maybe this draw will be a turning point for us and move us up the table as I still think we can make it into the top six,” he said.

“We have had a lot of players through the door this season which hasn’t helped and we are now down to the bare bones. Even today we had four players in the team who were not fully fit.”

Meanwhile, new boss McAlinden said it’s important the team regains its belief that it can win games, starting with the visit of Ballinamallard United Reserves in the Intermediate Cup this afternoon.

Speaking in a video interview with the Times earlier in the week, the 30-year-old said: “I think it’s improtant that we get a winning mentality back amongst the squad. If that’s Saturday that kick-starts that then it’s something we are aiming for. It’s important to win on the football pitch regardless of whether it’s the Intermediate Cup or the League ... the belief that we can actually score more goals than the opposition and get three points or get into the next round of a trophy, whatever it may be; it’s a winning mentality that I want to instil in the squad, and hopefully that starts on Saturday.”