ALL OVAL FOR MAC; Friends advise Alan to walk away from Glens for sake of his health.

Byline: DARREN FULLERTON

ALAN McDonald's reign as Glentoran boss was teetering on the brink of a sad, regrettable and rather inevitable conclusion last night.

McDonald, who was rocked by the level of abuse directed at him by a section of the Glens support following Saturday's 6-0 defeat to Coleraine, didn't attend last night's cup tie with Glenavon on medical advice.

And speculation is growing that the 46-year-old former Northern Ireland captain is ready to walk away from the Mersey Street post.

Club chairman Aubry Ralph has revealed that McDonald is currently "in a bad place".

"I met with Alan on Monday night and I was shocked at how low he felt," said Ralph. "As a friend I advised him to see his doctor which he did this (Tuesday) morning.

"He was advised not to go to the Co-Operative Cup tie at Glenavon on health grounds.

I really feel for the guy. He is a genuine bloke and a very proud manager who feels hurt and badly let down by some recent performances.

"I have a lot of time for Alan and I have told him to look after his health. That should be his number one priority now.

"It is quite clear he is not in a good place at the moment."

The Oval board will give McDonald until the weekend to decide his future, although it is anticipated the former QPR defender and 52-times capped international will opt to end his tenure at The Oval.

"I want to make it clear that Alan McDonald has my full support - I am unequivocal in that," said Ralph.

"I have advised him to take the next 24, 48 or 72 hours to think things over.

"Alan has been hurt quite a bit and I just don't know whether he will stay.

"We are aware we are in an important and difficult stage of the season. We are running a football club and decisions will have to be made sooner rather than later.

"But we will give Alan the time he needs and then we will sit down and discuss what happens next."

Privately, friends and close associates at the east Belfast club have urged McDonald to step down for the sake of his health and general wellbeing.

It would represent a sad end to his reign at The Oval which began in 2007 when he succeeded Paul Millar as boss and climaxed with title success only six months ago.

Ralph believes a majority of Glentoran fans will be angered and dismayed by the levels of abuse McDonald endured following Saturday's league loss to Coleraine.

A crowd of 200 staged a raucous demonstration before being dispersed by the PSNI.

It has also been claimed the Glens boss received abusive texts on his mobile phone.

"It was a total disgrace and no human being should have to endure that," said Ralph.

"As chairman I'm prepared to take on the boo boys because they don't represent me or the majority of our supporters."

Coaches George Neill and Scott Young oversaw last night's 3-2 victory - and 5-4 aggregate success - over Glenavon in the Co-Operative Insurance Cup third round.

Goals from Keith Gillespie (10th minute), Colin Nixon (49) and Dean Fitzgerald (60) secured the Glens a place in the quarter-finals. Stuart King (30) and Gary Liggett (59) were on target for Glenavon.

CAPTION(S):

NO GO McDonald missed last night's cup clash with Glenavon on medical grounds - the Glens won the second leg tie 3-2 GONE?ALAN McDonald was rocked by the abuse following Saturday's defeat to Coleraine