Carrick part company with King after cup exit

Stuart King was appointed Carrick Rangers manager in 2021

Carrick Rangers have parted company with Stuart King following Tuesday's 1-0 defeat by Queen's University in the BetMcLean Cup.

The shock defeat by the Premier Intermediate side was a ninth loss in 10 matches in all competitions for Carrick.

After an opening day win in the Irish Premiership, the Taylors Avenue side sit bottom of the table after eight league defeats in a row.

Former Linfield, Ballymena United and Glenavon winger King was appointed Carrick manager in June 2021.

The 43-year-old had previously spent five seasons with Banbridge Town.

After finishing in 10th position in his first campaign, Carrick finished eighth the following year and qualified for a first-ever European play-off last season.

However, the current season has been filled with disappointment and Carrick are rooted to the bottom of the table after nine matches.

After a 2-0 win over Glenavon on the opening day of the season in August, Carrick have hit a dismal run of form and their only win in that time was a County Antrim Shield victory over Bangor.

King admitted he "hadn't slept for weeks" after a 4-1 defeat by Ballymena United on 17 September and that was followed by losses to Linfield and Dungannon Swifts.

The defeat by third-tier Queen's University, who hit a late winner through Chris Middleton at Taylors Avenue, was to be King's final match in charge.