Whitall back in Whitehead hot-seat

Whitall stepped down two years ago as manager of the Eagles to concentrate of working for the club off the field, and was the natural choice to step back into the breach, where he will be assisted by coach Paul Tumilty, who, ironically, played for Newington Rangers last season.

“It sounds as if it’s almost back to square one, doing practically everything myself - only this time Paul Tumilty is there to give me a hand, and he’s doing a great job with the training and coaching,” Michael told the Times.

“Things are looking good. The training has been going well, we’re getting good numbers or around 20, and it’s early for us yet, because we don’t start until September. And some players are still to come back from holiday. We’re also hoping to have a few fresh faces to come in.

“We’ve lost Danny Hastings to Islandmagee, while Darren Devenney looks as though he’ll not be available much due to work commitments. Young John Lorimer is also getting a chance at Carrick under-19s.

“Daryl Ingram, Adam Glover and Eddie White, none of whom were regulars in the first-team, have gone to Newington Rangers – and it looks as though some of last year’s seconds could be going there too, with Alan Hughes, our former reserve team manager, now Davy Rollo’s second in command.

“It means we’ll be looking for a new second-team manager, but a couple of second-team players have expressed an interest, and we just need that confirmed.

He added: “Everything is going well so far. I’m back at the helm and looking forward to the new season!”

Club chairman Wallace McFall agreed: “Things are looking good. I’m getting some really good feedback from the players about Paul’s coaching; that there’s plenty of variety and that there’s something different every night. It’s a good sign and a complement to Paul.

“There’s a good buzz about the club – but in saying that, Whitehead Eagles won’t turn anyone away, and if anyone is interested in either playing, or helping the club in any capacity, if they’d turn up at the pavilion on Tuesday or Thursday nights at 7pm, they will be made most welcome!”