CANDLISH VOWS TO TURN NEW CORNER.

Byline: DARREN FULLERTON

FORMER Irish League striker Neil Candlish is on the lookout for a new coaching post - and insists his ill-fated reign as Chimney Corner boss hasn't put him off Irish League management.

Candlish, who made his name as a mercurial talent with Glentoran, Portadown and Ballymena United in the 1990s, was recently sacked as Corner manager after just one season after the Allen Park outfit finished bottom of the IFA Interim League.

But while Candlish plans to learn from the experience, he insists he wasn't given time to revive Corner's fortunes in the lower reaches of local football.

"I feel let down," he said. "I brought a lot of new players to Corner last season and it takes time to see things gel.

"I believe the club's fortunes would have improved this season, but sadly I wasn't given the opportunity to see things through.

"When I asked in mid-April what the club's plans were for next season I was told 'you're the manager'. I duly re-signed players, attracted other players and arranged pre season games. By mid-May I was told I was being axed."

Candlish, who played under the likes of Ronnie McFall, Tommy Kincaid and Jim Hagan in a playing career that saw him join Ballymena from Motherwell in 1990, is keen to revive his fledgling coaching career in the near future.

"I was privileged to have some success as a player - and I am determined to reap some success as a manager," he said. "My experience at Chimney Corner has left a bad taste, but it certainly hasn't put me off management.

"I believe I've a lot to offer and I am confident that at the right club, and with the right backing, I can be a success."

Candlish thanked his staff, Peter Tweed and Marc Copeland, and players at Corner for their "terrific support and help" during the past year.

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FRUSTRATED Neil Candlish