Portadown appoint Pat McGibbon as interim boss

Ronnie McFall and Pat McGibbon in the Portadown dugout earlier this season

Pat McGibbon will take charge of Portadown until the end of the season following Ronnie McFall's resignation as manager on Saturday.

The former Northern Ireland defender played for Portadown for two years and returned to the club this season as team physio.

"I'm proud to have this opportunity - it's about bringing the club together now after a difficult period," he said.

McGibbon pulled out the race to become Glentoran manager in November.

The 42-year-old managed Newry for 16 months before stepping down and had a spell as first team coach at Dungannon Swifts.

McFall brought a 29-year reign to an end on Saturday after the shock 3-2 Irish Cup defeat by Lurgan Celtic, while the team sits just eight points off the Premiership basement.

"We have the quality at the club but only by putting the work in each Tuesday and Thursday, then carrying it into match days, can we turn things around," McGibbon told the Portadown Times.

"We need fans to pack Shamrock Park and really get behind the players as that support can make a massive difference."