Beckett back in football at Limavady United
Thursday, 28 August 2008
Liam Beckett takes charge of his first game for Limavady this evening.
BALLYMONEY man Liam Beckett is back in football management, less than a year after walking out of the Institute job.
The former 'Stute and Cliftonville manager has succeeded Ollie Mullan as Limavady Utd boss afer the latter parted company with the Showgrounds club 'by mutual consent.'
The Roesiders languish at the foot of the IFA Championship having lost their opening four league games and lost 6-4 to Ballinamallard United at the weekend.
The poor start to the season follows Limavady's demotion from the Premier League where they enjoyed mixed fortunes last season.
Beckett, who has appointed former long-serving Coleraine defender Paul Gaston as his number two, met with the players for the first time on Monday evening and admits he has a lot of work to do to turn things around.
“I met with the players on Monday and obviously the heads are a bit low," admitted Liam. "I suppose that's the reason I'm here and it's my job to halt the slide. There's a good squad of players at the club and I'd like to place on record my thanks for all the hard work that Ollie has done. It didn't work out for him but you can't always blame the manager.
“Maybe the players have to take a good look at themselves and ask themselves did they repay the manager's faith in them?"
Ironically, Beckett's first game in charge will be against one of his former clubs, Ballymoney Utd, at the Coleraine Showgrounds this evening (Tuesday).
The Ballymoney knows all about the club from his time there and is looking forward to getting down to business.
“Yes, I suppose it is ironic that the first game is against Ballymoney," agreed Liam. "Then we have Coleraine in the North West Cup next Tuesday so it's a case of in at the deep end. But I'm looking forward to it.
“The circumstances which led to me leaving 'Stute are still there but the Limavady chairman and board have been very understanding. Family comes first but I'm looking forward to getting back into it.
“I will rely on the opinions of others in selecting my team for the first couple of games but hopefully after that I'll be in a better position to choose. I know a lot of the players anyway so it's a case of seeing what they're capable of."
