Manager Matthew Tipton leaves the Point - then makes move back to the Ports

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Matthew Tipton

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Matthew Tipton has been appointed manager of Portadown after his departure from Warrenpoint Town.

He's a former striker with the Championship club. 

The Point board issued a statement on Wednesday saying they had "agreed to part ways" with Tipton. 

It followed Tuesday night's 5-0 defeat to Glentoran in the Danske Bank Premiership.

Warrenpoint sit in 10th place in the Premiership and have lost four of their last five matches.

UEFA coach, and former international and Point player, Stephen McDonnell, will manage on an interim basis until the end of the season.

Chairman Connaire McGreevy said: “After a conversation with Matthew we have parted ways by mutual consent.

“Warrenpoint Town is a club in transition and the positive moves forward continue on and off the pitch."

The Point's new boss has said he's determined to keep them in the top flight.

The club has issued this release - 

First-team Coach Stephen McDonnell has been handed the interim manager’s role with the 'Point and, at only 25, he will be the youngest manager in charge in the top flight by some distance.

The Dundalk man, who had to retire from playing due to health concerns, only completed his UEFA ‘A’ Licence last week, and chairman McGreevy says he has his chance to stake a claim for the job on a full-time basis and keep the side in the Premiership.

"Stephen has agreed to step up and take charge of the team until the end of the season. That works for him and it works for us. He gets to cut his teeth a bit and we get a bit of breathing space in terms of looking at what we do going forward," said the chairman.

Stephen has stated: "I am delighted to be given the interim manager role and I will do everything in my power to keep Warrenpoint Town in the Premiership." 

Stephen thanks the board for giving him this opportunity and having belief in him. Stephen also stated: "We have to take our hats off to the guys on the board as they are driving the club forward in the right direction. These guys are Influential.

"It has been a very good 2 years for myself as I have been in charge of youth team development, first team coach and now interim manager. I believe that it is vital to build up the youth section as this will benefit us in the future. Having advanced coaches in place will help develop the younger players.

"We have had a couple of sticky results in recent weeks. We have a 4-point cushion, but we are by no means safe. We are in a battle. I believe that I have a good knowledge of the game and I am going to implement my style of play. This will hopefully get us out of this situation and keep us in the Premiership and give us a platform to build on.

"I hope to add a few new members of staff over the next few days. Once this is finalised we will be well set up for the 8 remaining games of the season."

 

 

 

 

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