Portadown Board moving forward with new boss next step after Matthew Tipton exit

A meeting held today (Sunday) between club officials and Tipton led to an official statement confirming the manager’s departure as ‘a mutual parting of ways with immediate effect’.

Portadown host Crusaders at Shamrock Park on Tuesday then visit Larne in Saturday’s evening kick-off.

With time running out before the close of the January transfer window, Portadown directors aim to kick-start the process of appointing the new manager.

“At this point, we can only confirm plans to accept expressions of interest over the coming days,” said Portadown’s director of football, Peter Hunniford.

The decision for Tipton’s exit was made following a 3-1 loss to Dungannon Swifts on Saturday that has left the Ports seven points adrift in the relegation zone after 23 games.

The club’s two Premiership wins have both arrived over basement side Warrenpoint Town.

It marks the end of Tipton’s time as Portadown manager following a February 2018 appointment which led to promotion as winners of the Championship and a successful return last season to Premiership football with senior survival.

Tipton was awarded a five-year deal and official move to full-time status last May in recognition of his work on and off the field.

“Portadown Football club Board of Directors met with Matthew Tipton this afternoon and both have agreed a mutual parting of ways with immediate effect,” confirmed the club statement on Sunday afternoon. “We would like to thank Matthew for his hard work and dedication to the role and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

“A further coaching update will follow in due course.”

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